URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, more than 650 University of Illinois Extension employees work to serve the communities where they live and help tackle local issues with research-based solutions. Illinois Extension honored 11 outstanding individuals whose efforts demonstrate significant public value and impact on staff, volunteers, program participants, and partners at its annual conference in November.

These staff members range from a few years of service to several decades and work on campus, in local offices, and across a variety of program areas. These employees were acknowledged for their efforts: Ana Garcia, Jane Jones, Amanda Fox-Clark, Sara Seyfert, Mary T. Sheridan, Nicole Hellon, Johnna Jennings, Russel Medley, Duane Friend, Stephanie Kaufmann, and Matt Wiley. 

Ana Garcia, SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker

Ana Garcia excels at building and maintaining strong partnerships in Cook County, where she provides nutrition education classes in English and Spanish to adults and youth. Garcia invests time into understanding the needs and goals of community partners, which has strengthened relationships and opened doors to new opportunities. A team player, she motivates and supports her colleagues, fostering a positive and encouraging environment. 

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Jane Jones, SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker

Jane Jones has excelled in post-COVID outreach by building partnerships with new schools and agencies in her three years with Extension. Her dedication to visiting food pantries has strengthened connections and expanded access to SNAP-Ed resources. A natural leader, Jones is a supportive guide for new staff and encourages professional development. Her collaborative efforts, including joint community events, highlight her commitment to community service and teamwork.

Amanda Fox-Clark, 4-H Youth Development Extension Program Coordinator

Amanda Fox-Clark is a 4-H youth development program coordinator for Washington County whose passion for the 4-H program led to her creating several innovative programs, including the Show of Champions, Passport Party, and impactful partnerships with local libraries and businesses. Her leadership has increased 4-H club enrollment and surpassed the state goal of serving 8% of county youth. Amanda actively participates in professional development and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. 

Sara Seyfert, 4-H Youth Development Extension Program Coordinator

Sara Seyfert, 4-H youth development coordinator for Ford and Iroquois counties, fosters partnerships with school districts and has enhanced program resources and accessibility, ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all youth. Seyfert launched the “Emerging Leaders” group, empowering teenagers to identify community needs and implement their own initiatives, fostering personal growth and community engagement. She has an unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and passion for service. 

Mary T. Sheridan, Office Support Specialist

In her 15 years with Extension, Mary Sheridan has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. Her fiscal experience allows her to guide colleagues through complex budget reports. She is an expert in university software programs that ensure accurate monthly budget reports. Her attention to detail has inspired confidence in her peers and significantly enhanced the office’s quality of work.

Nicole Hellon, Fiscal Office Support Specialist

Nicole Hellon goes the extra mile to support staff and volunteers across three office locations in southern Illinois. Hellon fosters a welcoming environment, and her proactive approach has strengthened community relationships, notably improving ties with the Madison County Farm Bureau. She played a pivotal role in relocating the Extension office, ensuring smooth operations throughout the transition. She is committed to professional development and teamwork. 

Johnna Jennings, 4-H Youth Development Educator

Johnna Jennings has been with Illinois Extension for more than 30 years and embodies the 4-H motto of “Making the Best Better.” She leads impactful programs like "Health Jam" and conducts Teen Teacher Cooking Schools to promote healthy cooking skills. Jennings has also contributed to the Northern Illinois 4-H Camp by training teen counselors and enhancing experiences for participants. She has served on the State 4-H Volunteerism Committee for 24 years and recently received the Meritorious 4-H Award. 

Russell Medley, Community and Economic Development Educator

Russell Medley has secured more than $1 million in funding for Extension initiatives and successfully built partnerships that enhance economic and educational development, including a grant from the John Deere Foundation for the Juntos 4-H program for Hispanic students. Medley’s leadership in poverty education has reached over 1,500 participants and raised awareness of low-income challenges. He played a crucial role in disaster preparedness as Chair of Disaster Ready Quad Cities, organizing essential resources and training for major crises. His collaborative spirit shines through his involvement in multi-county strategic planning, and he has facilitated the launch of the Mercer County Better Together initiative, securing $1.3 million for community growth. 

Duane Friend, Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Change Specialist

Duane Friend has dedicated his career to advancing climate education within Extension and beyond. Friend has held leadership roles in multiple national organizations and developed innovative programs, including online climate change courses that empower Extension staff and community volunteers in climate resilience efforts. His commitment to teamwork and collaboration has enhanced statewide resources, led to significant funding, and established him as a key advocate for sustainable practices and education in Illinois. 

Stephanie Kaufmann, LMS/eLearning Developer

Since joining Illinois Extension in 2017, Stephanie Kaufman has excelled as the online education coordinator, significantly impacting online learning and accessibility. Initially hired to translate a course into Spanish, she quickly mastered e-learning software and transitioned to a full-time role in 2021. Kaufmann manages course development, Moodle administration, and Spanish translation support. Her leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills make her an invaluable asset.

Matt Wiley, Art Director

For over eight years, Matt Wiley has been a cornerstone of Extension’s communications team, using their extensive skills to enhance the brand and create high-quality marketing materials. Wiley is involved in many of the thousands of projects the state marketing and communications team handles annually. They excel in project execution, template creation, design architecture, and mentoring staff. With expertise in InDesign and the Adobe software suite, Wiley also brings skills in video production, voiceover work, and social media integration. Wiley fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, inspiring creativity and collaboration among colleagues.

Learn more about careers available with Illinois Extension.