Iowa State University Extension and Outreach announces new regional director

AMES ? Janet Smith has accepted the position of regional director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach serving Louisa, Henry, Des Moines and Lee counties effective June 1, 2016. Smith will provide leadership to county extension councils and oversee delivery of educational programs that align with needs of the region.

?For nearly 30 years Janet has delivered research-based educational programs that have impacted the lives of youth, families, communities and businesses in southeast Iowa,? said Bob Dodds, assistant vice president for county services with ISU Extension and Outreach. ?As a proactive leader, Janet has provided leadership for county, regional and statewide programming. She is well known for building positive relationships with funders and stakeholders. We congratulate and welcome her to her new role with Extension and Outreach. ?

Smith currently serves as a human sciences family life specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach. From 2009 until 2012, she served as a program specialist in 4-H and Youth Development. Prior to that, she served as the county education director from 1991-2009 with ISU Extension and Outreach in Henry County. She began her career in 1987 as an ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H and youth leader in Lee and Henry Counties.

Professionally Smith is a member of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Since 1999, she has served on the executive board for Healthy Communities. She is presently serving on the Southeast Iowa Early Childhood Summit planning committee and is a speaker for the event.

Janet received her Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer science education from Iowa State University and her Master of Arts degree in higher education planning, policy and leadership studies from the University of Iowa.