Doug Harlan's leadership has guided University of Illinois Extension staff in central Illinois for more than 20 years. Harlan oversees Extension programs in the state’s lower 48 central and southern counties, serving as Extension assistant director for the 100+-year organization. Harlan began his Extension leadership career in 2001 as unit leader for Moultrie and Douglas counties. Most recently, he served as county director for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties.

“As assistant director, my most important role will be to serve as the communications conduit from the field staff in the region to the program leaders and specialist on campus,” Harlan says. “I am the voice for the region with the Extension Leadership Team.”

Harlan provides leadership to the multi-county Unit in the areas of fiscal and personnel administration, facilities management, volunteer recruitment and management, marketing, educational program planning and development, and networking with other community agencies and resources.

Harlan received his bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University in 1983 and a master of public administration from the University of Illinois in 2002. He is a 2002 graduate of the National Extension Leadership Development Program (NELD). Harlan's professional certifications include Certified Small Business Specialist from the Illinois Small Business Development Association and Associate Contract Assistance Specialist from the Association of Government Marketing Assistance Specialist.  Harlan is a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi, an organization of Illinois Extension professionals.

Harlan is a retired 28-year US Army veteran. He has served overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.