Our Frederick County Extension Advisory Committee (EAC) is composed of community stakeholders who inform the University of Maryland Extension (UME) about needs in the county, identify underserved audiences, and contribute concepts and ideas to inform UME programs. EAC members possess a personal interest in community development, the ability to see and reflect the needs of audiences that can be addressed by UME, and maintain a long-term focus to address these needs.

As a requirement of our funding, per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), stakeholder input is sought on a variety of different levels, that may include:

  • Advice on priority setting and program development
  • Input on both immediate needs and long-term goals 
  • Participation in relevancy and portfolio reviews
  • Guidance on monitoring, evaluation, and oversight systems employed to track performance and results
  • Counsel on emerging technologies and recommendations for public education and discussion about the mission and directions of the University of Maryland

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Grassroots outreach, advocacy, and representation
  • Active partnership in community engagement
  • Marketing and promotion of UME programs for outreach to diverse audiences and universal inclusivity

Current Members and Affiliated Programs

  • Sally Arnold (2024-2025), 4-H Youth Development
  • Kitty Devilbiss (2024-2025), Family & Consumer Sciences
  • Dawne Howard (2024-2025), Horticulture-Master Gardeners
  • Gene Keller (2024-2025), 4-H Youth Development & Agriculture
  • Trish Mills (2024-2025), 4-H Youth Development
  • Pam Ogasawara (2024-2025), Horticulture-Master Gardeners
  • Margaret Pierre-Nanan (2024-2025), 4-H Youth Development & Horticulture-Master Gardeners
  • Denny Remsburg (2024-2025), 4-H Youth Development & Agriculture
  • Myrtle Sturtz (2024-2025), 4-H Youth Development & Agriculture
  • Becca Tucker (2024-2025), Agriculture