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

Marilu Andon
County Director
Keywords
Administration
Leadership
Community Development
(815) 933-8337

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

Christopher Evans
Forestry Extension and Research Specialist
Keywords
Forestry
Invasive Species
Trees
(618) 695-3383

Andrea S. Fanta
Integrated Health Disparities Mental Health Specialist
Keywords
Mental Health
Community Health
Integrated Health Disparities
217-244-2481

Erin Garrett
Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator
Keywords
Grasses
Master Gardeners
Energy Efficiency
Environment
Native Plants
Invasive Species
Master Naturalist
Pollinator Habitat
Community Garden
Conservation
(618) 524-2270

Zachary Kennedy
Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Keywords
Community Development
Community Planning
Economic Development
217-244-2849

Bobbie Lewis-Sibley
Extension Outreach Associate SPI
Keywords
Local Government
Leadership
(217) 300-9291

Sara Marten
County Director
Keywords
Administration
Leadership
Real Colors
Life Skills
(217) 532-3941

Michael Neil
Marketing and Communications Program Coordinator
Keywords
Communication
Marketing
708-449-4320

Jenna Smith
Nutrition and Wellness Educator
Keywords
Nutrition
Child Nutrition
Nutrition Education
Diabetes
Food Preservation
Food Sanitation
Food Safety
309-663-8306

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