County Extension Council
The local Extension program is guided by the Extension Council comprised of Program Development Committees (PDC) for the four program areas: Agriculture/Natural Resources, Family & Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development and Community Vitality. The members of these committees are elected according to the Kansas Extension Council law .
The Extension Council represents the citizens of Leavenworth County, Kansas. They are the “voice” of the community, giving the agents feedback and guidance on local programs. The Council is made up of business people, community leaders, farmers, home makers, teachers, and others who have an interest in Extension.
If you would be interested in serving on the Extension Council, please contact an Extension staff member or any of the current Council members for more information. You will need to complete the Consent to Nominate form and return it to the Extension Office. Leavenworth County conducts the Extension Council election at the time of the Leavenworth County Fair.
Leavenworth County Extension Council members are:
Agriculture/Natural Resources: Ty Martin, Jacob Thomas, Beth Schartz, Blaine Schuetz, Steve Buffo, Jill DeGraeve
Family & Consumer Sciences: Carry Suchy, Heather Wise, Austin Reynolds, Cindy McGuire, Melissa Ahlquist, Pam BeMent
4-H Youth Development: Caroline Reynolds, Laura Lasky, Hannah Bailey, Heather Green, Heidi Zenger, Amber Bollin
Community Vitality: Jessica Pontbriant, Beth Watkins, Kelsi Bailey, Paige Kenton, Trent Peter, LouAnn Proctgor
The Extension Council Executive Board provides oversight to the total Extension program. The 9 member board is elected from the 24 member Extension Council.
2025 Extension Council Executive Board:
Jacob Thomas, Chairman
Austin Reynolds, Vice-Chairman
Jill DeGraeve, Secretary
Blaine Schuetz, Treasurer
Board Members: Jacob Thomas, Austin Reynolds, Jill DeGraeve, Blaine Schuetz, Cindy McGuire, Heather Green, Amber Bollin, Paige Kenton, Trent Peter