EFFINGHAM, Ill. — A dedicated staff member is stepping into a leadership role to further serve the residents and communities of central Illinois. As the newly named Extension county director for Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper counties, Kasey Kemme is poised to continue Extension’s mission to develop educational programs, extend knowledge, and build partnerships that support people, communities, and their environments.
Associate Regional Director Doug Harlan shares that Kemme’s years of experience and a strong commitment to education and community engagement position her for success in the new role.
“Kasey brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the local communities, volunteers, and unit staff to this position,” said Harlan. “I am very excited to have Kasey join the county director team.”
As county director, Kemme will oversee local Extension operations, including staff leadership, budget and finance, program planning, and impact reporting. She will also guide strategic partnerships and support volunteers to amplify Extension’s mission: delivering research-based educational programs that enrich individuals, strengthen communities, and protect our shared environment.
“I am very excited to begin my new role as county director,” said Kemme. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with our youth, volunteers, and communities to make our counties the best they can be.”
An Iroquois County native, Kemme’s connection with Extension started in 2014 through work with summer youth programs and 4-H shows in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties. She later spent seven years as a classroom teacher in both urban and rural settings, where she integrated 4-H programming to inspire student learning. In 2021, she returned to Extension as a 4-H youth development educator for Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper counties, where she led clubs, programs, and initiatives that fostered positive youth development.
Kemme is a two-time alum from Eastern Illinois University, earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2013 with an endorsement in middle-level education. In 2019, she received her master’s degree in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction.
With her deep roots in the region and proven leadership in youth and community programming, Kemme is well-positioned to lead Extension into its next chapter of growth and impact. Learn more about local events and programming at extension.illinois.edu/cefj.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.