Body

Committees of dedicated staff across Extension will help advance the organizational goals determined through the strategic planning process. Each committee will support one of Extension's eight signature initiatives and includes staff who possess the leadership skills, dedication, and commitment needed to drive these initiatives forward successfully.

Initiative Champion Duties

Initiative Champions play a key role in setting and advocating for initiative-level objectives and key results. Their responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with the Strategy, Planning and Implementation Unit to develop project and resource plans.
  • Setting goals and milestones, ensuring progress aligns with timelines and budgets.
  • Promoting initiatives internally and externally, engaging stakeholders, and addressing resistance by highlighting benefits.
  • Collecting and relaying stakeholder feedback, ensuring necessary resources are obtained, and identifying and removing obstacles.
  • Communicating progress, updates, and successes to the Strategy, Planning, and Implementation Unit and Leadership Team.

Initiative Workgroup Member Duties

Workgroup Members are essential in executing signature initiatives and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Their responsibilities include:

  • Establishing milestones, tracking progress, and addressing obstacles promptly.
  • Identifying potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and fostering cooperation across departments and stakeholders.
  • Adapting strategies based on changing circumstances, making data-driven adjustments, and seeking opportunities for process improvement.
  • Maintaining detailed records and celebrating milestones and achievements.

Explore Committees

Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Talon Becker

Talon Becker

Commercial Agriculture Specialist
Keywords
Commercial Agriculture
Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture
Certified Crop Advisor
Corn
Crops
Cover Crops
Soybeans
Wheat
Crop Disease
Herbicide
Pesticide
Integrated Pest Management
217-300-0576
Amanda Cole

Amanda Cole

Strategy, Planning and Implementation Assistant Director
Keywords
Administration
Community Development
Diversity Equity Inclusion Access
Economic Development
Leadership
217-300-8696
Zachary Kennedy

Zachary Kennedy

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Keywords
Community Development
Community Planning
Economic Development
217-244-2849
Camaya Wallace Bechard

Camaya Wallace Bechard

Interim Assistant Dean for Integrated Health Disparities | Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
Keywords
Diversity Equity Inclusion Access
Leadership
Accessibility
Inclusion
Leadership Development
Navigating Difference
Workplace Wellness
(217) 300-8065