UGA Extension Carroll County Agricultural Agent Paula Burke was recently elected by the membership of the Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents to represent Georgia to the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) as the next Southern Region Vice Director.
The Southern Region Vice Director represents 13 southern states to the NACAA board. Other responsibilities include communicating with the states of activities and concerns of NACAA, encouraging membership to participate in professional improvement activities and recognition and award programs, and attending State and National association meetings.
Burke was also the recipient the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2020 and is awarded to those who exude professionalism and excellence in their field with ten years or more of service. Burke is known for her knowledge and experience in assisting local farmers by hosting educational programs that focus on profitability and sustainability of agriculture in Carroll County.
Burke, who is originally from Upstate New York, has been an Extension agent for 27 years with 8 of those years in Carroll County, Georgia. The NACAA has been committed to providing professional improvement, recognizing achievements, and developing leaders for 105 years. By serving as Southern Region Vice Director, Burke says “I will have the opportunity to provide new and younger agents a chance, like I had to gain professional development and to be recognized for their achievements.” “Serving as vice director, I can continue to build on my leadership skills. By becoming a better leader and mentor, I can have a positive impact on future generations of leaders in Extension.”
Burke will start the national position in July 2021 and will serve for a four-year term.
