Scott Burnsmier joined University of Illinois Extension as Assistant Director of Advancement in 2023. Burnsmier, a native of Illinois, brings years of experience in leadership and fundraising roles to the role. Before joining Extension, he was a development director with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. He is deeply skilled in income development, insurance, and relationship management through a variety of positions held in central Illinois.

Working with SHIELD Illinois, an offshoot of the University of Illinois system, from 2021-2023, he interacted with public school administrators, health professionals, and the general public to develop and implement COVID-19 testing and detection protocols at 60 testing locations throughout the state.

Burnsmier has served in a number of volunteer positions, including as a 4-H parent and 4-H unit council board member. In his spare time, he volunteers for various organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association's Illinois Chapter Board of Directors, CU @ Home, and the Sangamon Valley CEO program as a mentor to high school students. Additionally, he serves as a mentor/coach for various athletes and military personnel. He has completed the Chicago Marathon and has coached high school cross-country for many years.

Each winter holiday season, Scott serves as Santa on the "Lunch with Santa" train in Monticello. Burnsmier received the Volunteer of the Year Award from First Mid Bank and Trust in 2020, and his favorite saying is, “If service is beneath you, leadership is above you." 

Burnsmier has an associate degree in business management from Parkland College and a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Eastern Illinois University, where he is also pursuing a master's degree. Scott and his wife, Sandy, are parents to two adult children and became grandparents in July 2023.