Willene Buffett began her duties in 2005 as the Extension County director for Cook County. In 1992 Buffett joined the team of University of Illinois Extension employees. Recently Buffett obtained Certification in Strategic Management and Training from UIC. She holds a Masters' Degree in Curriculum Administration and a Bachelors' Degree in Dietetics Administration. Buffett came to Extension with more than 10 years of secondary classroom and administrative experiences.

Her county duties include personnel, financial, program planning, and facilities management. The Cook County unit has 9 office locations around the county with more than 60 staff (full-time and part-time) and a multi-million dollar budget. In collaboration with the council, key elected officials, staff, and specialists she insures that planned programs are implemented and evaluated.

Buffett has been a recipient of the Outstanding/Innovative Team Award, Early Career Award, Community Empowerment Award, and numerous support and recognition letters from federal, state, and local officials.