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Alabama Extension Employees Honored with National NACAA Awards

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ryegrass growing in a pasture

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates 13 employees who recently received national awards and recognitions from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA).

Mike Phillips, Alabama Extension director, said it is exciting and rewarding to see Extension professionals with this level of engagement in an outstanding organization, as well as the award recognition.

“This level of engagement and extending science-based information on a national scale shows that we are true to our mission and values organizationally,” Phillips said. “We are competitive with our peer institutions on the national stage, and we have a lot of passionate employees who care about their work.”

National Association of County Agricultural Agents logo

Courtesy of NACAA.

NACAA Awards

National Awards

  • David Russell — Achievement Award
  • Dylan L. Gilbert — Achievement Award
  • Elizabeth (Beth) Yates — Achievement Award
  • Lucy Edwards — Distinguished Service Award
  • Jeremy Pickens — Distinguished Service Award
  • Ronni Brasher — Distinguished Service Award

National Finalists

  • Harli B. Willis — Search for Excellence in Young, Beginning or Small Farmers/Ranchers

Regional Winners

  • Brian Brown — Audio Recording
  • Steven Brown — Newsletter

State Winners

  • Melissa Voynich — Event Promotional Package, Feature Story and Website/Online Content
  • Shane Harris — Personal Column
  • Kerri Roberts — Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming
  • Rebecca Catalena — Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture

Outstanding in Their Field

Alabama Extension employees dedicate time and resources to educating the public in Alabama and surrounding states. Becky Barlow, Alabama Extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry, wildlife and natural resources programming, said the professionals she works with are second to none.

“Our agents and specialists do amazing work every day, so it is wonderful to see their achievements recognized nationally,” Barlow said. “Their tireless commitment to excellence and teamwork demonstrates the true spirit of Alabama Extension. I am incredibly proud of them.”

More Information

Learn more about the awards by visiting the NACAA website at www.nacaa.com/.