Auburn, Sept. 4, 2002 --- Dr. Suzette Jelinek, Alabama Cooperative Extension System network and marketing specialist, has been selected as a first-place national winner by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Jelinek is the national first-place winner in the Education Publications category of the Communications Awards, also placing first in the Southern region. She also was selected as a regional winner in the Marketing Package Award category. Jelinek also placed second in the Southern Region in the Overhead Transparencies category.

Jelinek, who holds an M.S. from Michigan State University in Labor and Industrial Relations in 1988, received her ED.D. in educational administration from Auburn University in 1996. She was appointed to her present position as a network and marketing specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in 1994, after serving since 1993 as a consultant. As an Extension specialist, she promotes healthy eating choices and increased physical activity throughout Alabama. Her most recent campaign, Take Action, has been featured in print and broadcast media throughout the state.

The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is a professional organization aimed at enhancing the quality of educational programs developed to help individuals and families develop life skills.

Jelinek will be presented her awards at the association’s 2002 Annual Session on October 6 in Kansas City.