AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Amelia Mitchell has been named County Extension Operations Director for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, effective Oct. 5. The statewide leadership role focuses on strengthening county operations, local partnerships and program delivery across Alabama’s 67 counties.

In this role, Mitchell will report to the Alabama Extension director on the Auburn University campus and provide programmatic leadership for day-to-day county operations. She will supervise assistant directors for field operations, help set statewide operational standards, support county budgets and personnel decisions, and coordinate annual Plan of Work implementation with field operations and program leadership.

“Amelia brings deep county experience, a clear understanding of community needs and a proven ability to build partnerships that strengthen Extension’s statewide reach,” said Alabama Extension Director Eve Brantley. “Her leadership will help ensure our county offices remain responsive, accountable and connected to the people we serve.”

Mitchell currently serves as assistant director for field operations in Alabama Extension’s Northwest Region. She provides strategic oversight for 11 counties, supervises county Extension directors and supports professional development for county staff. She previously served as assistant director for county office operations at Alabama A&M University, providing leadership for 34 county offices, and as County Extension Coordinator in Mobile County.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in this role,” Mitchell said. “Extension has a remarkable history of meeting people where they are and connecting communities with the knowledge, resources and partnerships they need to thrive. I look forward to building on that legacy, strengthening collaboration across our organization and supporting our county teams as we continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across Alabama.”

Mitchell’s Extension career also includes service as a regional Extension agent in food safety, food preparation and food preservation. Before joining Extension, she worked in quality assurance and food industry operations, experiences that strengthened her background in compliance, process improvement and operational management.

As County Extension Operations Director, Mitchell will work with county commissions, advisory systems, support units and campus partners. Together, they will strengthen local funding portfolios, improve data-informed planning and evaluation, support Civil Rights audit readiness and promote equitable access to Extension programs.

Mitchell earned a master’s degree in adult education from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in food science technology from Alabama A&M University. She is a member of the LEAD21 leadership development program class of 2025-26.