Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to inform our community that Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, Director of County Cooperative Extension, is retiring at the end of June.
Throughout her 29-year career with UC ANR, Lynn has created an incredible legacy – not only in her current role but also as the former director of statewide 4-H, a former county director and Strategic Initiative Leader for Healthy Families & Communities. Her leadership, vision and countless contributions have greatly enhanced the capacity of UC ANR to deliver and sustain our difference-making research and extension programs.
I join the UC ANR community – along with so many Californians in every county across the state – in expressing our deep appreciation and gratitude for Lynn. She has truly made our communities stronger, healthier and more engaged, prosperous and vibrant. Please join me in thanking Lynn and wishing her all the best in her next chapter.
While we launch a search for a new Director of County Cooperative Extension, I am pleased to announce that Keith Nathaniel has been appointed to serve in an interim capacity until the position is filled.
Keith will concurrently continue to serve as director of UC Cooperative Extension in Los Angeles County, and I am very grateful that he has agreed to apply his tremendous skill and talent to this additional role.
He begins as interim Director of County Cooperative Extension on June 1. There will be an overlap in time between Keith and Lynn to help smooth the transition and handoff of knowledge, duties and responsibilities.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Brent Hales
Associate Vice President for Research and Cooperative Extension