Michael Woods named new head of Cornell Cooperative Extension

MILLBROOK — A new executive director has been named at Cornell Cooperative Extension Duchess County (CCEDC), following the retirement of long-time Executive Director Ruth A. Moore, Esq., on Aug. 14. 2020. The CCEDC thanked Moore for her seven years as executive director, and for her dedication, passion, compassion and visionary leadership.  

Michael Woods was named to the post after an exhaustive search by a committee made up of the CCEDC Board of Directors, stakeholders and members of the community.

“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to work with the CCEDC board, staff and volunteers to continue our efforts to advance our highly effective mission-driven programming,” Woods said in an interview this week.

Coming to the area from Michigan, where he amassed an envious amount of experience in agribusiness, research and university leadership, Woods served as county director of a University of Illinois Extension program. He has held numerous business leadership and university positions. He holds a PhD in agricultural/extension education, administration and agricultural marketing communication. Most recently, Woods was the agribusiness management assistant professor and program director at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill.

Woods takes a collaborative approach to leadership, melding business and fiscal expertise with skills in program planning, and his oversight abilities will likely be much appreciated at CCEDC. In times that are uncertain, he hopes his experience, skills and insight will help the Extension and the community remain strong and resilient.  

“I am well aware that Ruth Moore left very big shoe prints to fill,” said Woods. “I look forward to this challenge and know that as a vital community organization, the CCEDC team will work diligently to build upon our past successes and our vision for the future.

“I am a passionate believer in the importance of having a culture like CCEDC’s, with strong values and a keen focus on all stakeholders we serve across Dutchess County,” he added. “Understanding the value chain is critically important. Value is created when we provide effective solutions for our stakeholders. If we can solve high-stakes community needs, then we create greater value.”

Despite the impact COVID-19 has had on the CCEDC, forcing programs to be postponed or canceled, including the Dutchess County Fair and the big 4-H Club fundraiser of its famous mint milkshakes, Woods feels upbeat about his new post.

“Half-way through my first month on the job as the new executive director of CCEDC, I am so impressed by the impact the staff have achieved across the county for a vast array of stakeholders before and after the pandemic,” he remarked.    

Since 1913, the CCEDC has been an important part of the area, offering programs like the 4-H Club, the Master Gardeners and many educational services, providing information on farming, gardening, animal husbandry and holding a variety of community-based events, as well as providing its expertise as 4-H Club participants at the annual  Dutchess County Fair.

Acknowledging the work ahead in these difficult times, Wood added, “While 2020 will most likely go down in the record books as a year that redefined America, it is during times like these that I am proud join the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Dutchess County as its new executive director.”