URBANA, Ill. — Effective communication is a cornerstone of University of Illinois Extension’s ability to transfer the latest research and best practices to the residents of the state. In this critical pursuit of improving lives and livelihoods throughout Illinois, Extension relies on myriad tools, channels, and staff expertise for relaying information in timely and trusted ways. 

To further enhance these mission-centered efforts, Extension has recently welcomed several new marketing and communications staff in state and regional roles. 

“We are fortunate to have these exceptional colleagues serving in leadership roles that will enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and excellence of marketing and communications assets across our state in service of the Extension mission,” remarked Bridget Lee-Calfas, director of marketing and communications for Illinois Extension.

State-Level Marketing and Communications Growth
The state marketing and communications team welcomed Sara Olson as Project Manager in July. Olson will lead over 1,000 annual marketing and communications projects with 3000+ tasks ranging from writing, social media, and content development to graphic design, translation services, and digital media. The team’s projects focus on Extension’s six program areas; statewide templates, tools, and training; and administrative needs related to strategic planning, civil rights compliance, government relations, advancement, and more. Olson has built an impressive set of advanced marketing and communications skills through nearly 20 years of professional experience, with notable experience at University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute and with Carle Health. 

Olson has taken the reins from previous project manager, Liz Smith, who has been promoted to senior manager for digital marketing on the Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications team. Smith first joined the team in 2020 as a media communications coordinator with a special focus on projects from the community and economic development, family and consumer sciences, and Illini science policy program teams. Smith utilized her skills in content development, editing, promotions, and search engine optimization to successfully complete projects across that portfolio while also contributing to Extension’s growing digital accessibility knowledge and best practices. In 2022, Smith became the project manager of the expanded state marketing and communications team, where she refined processes, further developed key relationships, and deepened her organizational knowledge. 

Regional Marketing and Communications Excellence
Illinois Extension’s 102-county network is divided into 27 units across three regions of Illinois. Three assistant directors, one for each region, lead the multi-county units and have recently welcomed their own media communications coordinators. These regional coordinators will focus on identifying region-specific communications needs and challenges, supporting their assistant director for the region, and working with the county directors and other staff across their region on developing communications strategies, writing, design, project management, and other projects. 

Region 1 in northern Illinois has named Yukta Sinha as their media communications Coordinator. Sinha recently completed her Master of Arts at Dartmouth College and has worked in the fields of urban housing, accessible healthcare, energy, and farming applications. 

Region 2 in the western portion of the state welcomed Amy Zepp, who completed her Master of Public Administration degree from University of Illinois Springfield and was formerly an Extension 4-H staffer in Sangamon County. Zepp has over 10 years of experience in special events, audience development, and marketing and assumed many marketing responsibilities as her Extension career and organizational impact grew, thus preparing her for this new role. 

Region 3 in eastern/southern Illinois promoted an award-winning Extension staff Heather Willis to their regional position. Willis joined Extension in 2018 in the communications role for Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Williamson counties, where she won the 2022 Extension Program Support Excellence Award. She is a two-time Southern Illinois University alumna.