Newly hired Extension county coordinators will streamline Extension operations and drive program agendas with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency. Clockwise, from top left: Jessica Hendrickson, Heather Nield, Kristen Burr and Keyna Vandervort.
RENO — University of Nevada, Reno Extension has hired four Extension county coordinators to expand the reach of its programs and streamline administrative processes across eight rural Nevada counties.
Jessica Hendrickson, Keyna Vandervort, Kristen Burr and Heather Nield bring unique management skills that will deepen Extension outreach initiatives to serve communities in their counties.
The newly hired Extension county coordinators will collaborate with community members and Extension faculty and staff to identify and drive outreach initiatives that help the counties address needs related to horticulture and agriculture; children, youth and family; community development; natural resources; and health and nutrition.
Reporting to Holly Gatzke, Extension northern area director, the coordinators’ roles will enhance communications between the public and Extension, optimize resource allocation and boost program delivery to better serve the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome the new county coordinators to our team,” Gatzke said. “They bring diverse experiences in government, higher education administration and community outreach, which will strengthen our ability to serve Nevada communities effectively and improve the delivery of programs that benefit our communities.”
Jessica Hendrickson
Hendrickson joins Extension as county coordinator for White Pine and Eureka counties.
She was the chief animal control officer at the Kenai Animal Shelter in Alaska for almost a decade. In this role, she collaborated with government officials, hospitals and nonprofit organizations to ensure that shelter operations complied with state and federal regulations.
She also partnered with the local 4-H Youth Program, among other organizations, to develop, implement and host educational outreach programs and conduct animal safety demonstrations.
“One of the favorite aspects of my previous role was engaging with community members and finding ways to enhance the community I served,” Hendrickson said. “As the county coordinator for White Pine and Eureka counties, I look forward to reaching a broader audience and introducing valuable programs tailored to the unique needs of each community.”
Hendrickson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and a master’s degree in zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Heather Nield
Nield is the new Extension county coordinator for Lander and Humboldt counties.
She previously developed agricultural programs and taught agricultural courses for a decade at high schools in Nye and Lander counties, Nevada. She was also instrumental in establishing Future Farmers of America chapters in both schools, helping students build a solid foundation in career and technical education.
“The time spent building an agriculture program allowed me to create relationships and opportunities for students, parents, community members and businesses,” Nield said. “It is my hope that, by working in Extension, I can provide resources within the communities for all ages and backgrounds and create positive community relationships through Extension services.”
Nield holds a master’s degree in agriculture education from North Carolina State University.
Keyna Vandervort
Vandervort brings extensive experience in government and higher education administration to her new role as the Extension county coordinator for Lyon County.
Before joining the University, she was the director of student success and advising for the Office of Graduate and Adult Education at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, where she worked for three years. Prior to that, she worked as a county assessor’s clerk and appraiser for Douglas County, Nevada, for about seven years.
“I look forward to collaborating directly with local communities and advancing my expertise in the field of Extension work,” Vandervort said. “My goal is to seek opportunities to contribute and work with communities and educators to expand and enhance the available programs in Lyon County.”
Vandervort received a master’s degree in education from Fort Hays State University in Kansas.
Kristen Burr
Burr will serve as the Extension county coordinator for Churchill, Mineral and Pershing counties.
Before joining Extension, she worked for five years with the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, a federal initiative hosted by Montana State University that provides grants to farmers, ranchers and educational institutions for agricultural research. She coordinated the logistics for grant review panels, promoted the program to potential applicants, and administered daily operations at the program’s office in Bozeman, Montana.
“My goal is to enhance community development with high-quality initiatives,” Burr said. “Extension provides a wealth of valuable resources, and I am eager to leverage and tailor them to drive meaningful improvements and support the growth and well-being of each of the counties.”
Burr earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.