FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 18, 2019 BATH – Theresa McKinley brings a wealth of experience with local service agencies to her new position as Steuben County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s executive director. A graduate of SUNY Geneseo and Keuka College, the former director of Turning Point also has worked for the Institute Human Services and Steuben Council on Addictions and is active in a number of church and civic groups. And the Hammondsport native knows something about the culture of local agriculture. "I grew up surrounded by grapes," she said. McKinley expects to build on her ties with the community and service groups and partner with the Farm Bureau, Cornell University and Steuben County as she works with the challenges of keeping Steuben at the forefront of agricultural excellence. "I know I’ll have a lot of help," she said. "This CCE has a wonderful staff, and they’re catching me up to speed." Catching her up to speed means keeping a foot in the past and one in the future – the agency will look back on the effectiveness of what it has been doing while developing an intercounty regional agricultural team focused on farm business management, dairy, field crops production, and livestock management. The mother of two also believes in an active 4H program which introduces children to the many facets of agriculture, including an award-winning robotics program. She expects the agency will continue serving the county in other ways, such as the upcoming sixth annual Southern Tier Women’s Financial Conference on Nov. 16. Steuben CCE also will hold its annual "Friends of Extension" dinner from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5 at its new headquarters in the Steuben County Office Building Annex, 20 E. Morris St. "Steuben County has maintained a strong relationship with CCE and I’m positive our collaboration will continue to thrive under Tess’ watch," said county Manager Jack Wheeler. "She is a proven leader and will be a valuable asset to our collective efforts."
