Meet UF/IFAS Extension Administration! Below you will find the members of our administrative team, their bios as well as their contact information. To find other UF/IFAS Extension Agents visit the IFAS Directory or the UF Directory.
TBA. DEAN AND DIRECTOR, FLORIDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
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TOM OBREZA, PH. D. SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, FLORIDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
Dr. Thomas A. Obreza is Senior Associate Dean and Associate Director, Univ. of Florida/IFAS Extension. He served as Interim Associate Dean for Extension from 2009 to 2013 before assuming his current role. Dr. Obreza is also a Professor in UF’s Soil and Water Sciences Department.
Dr. Obreza has been with UF/IFAS for 30 years. For the first 13 years, he was located at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, where he worked on improving nutrient and water management of citrus, vegetable, and sugarcane crops as he moved from Assistant (1989) to Associate (1994) to Full (2000) Professor. In 2002, Dr. Obreza moved to the main UF campus in Gainesville to assume the duties of Soil and Water Science Extension Specialist and statewide water resources extension coordinator. His extension education program covered plant nutrient use efficiency to protect water resources. His major responsibilities as Senior Associate Dean are managing Florida’s 375 county and regional Extension faculty and helping direct the Florida Cooperative Extension service.
Dr. Obreza holds a B.S. degree in Agronomy from the Ohio State University (1978) and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Soil Science from the University of Florida (1980, 1983). He worked in corporate R & D for A. Duda & Sons, Inc. for 6 years prior to starting his Univ. of Florida career in 1989.
TBA ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST TO THE DEAN FOR UF/IFAS EXTENSION
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VALKYRIE ALDRNARI EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR UF/IFAS EXTENSION
Valkyrie is the Executive Assistant to the Senior Associate Dean and Associate Director for Extension. She maintains his calendar, which includes setting up meetings and interviews for county and state positions. She arranges travel and receives, composes, and finalizes correspondence. Valkyrie receives all correspondence for the Senior Associate Dean and assists with various state wide and regional projects.
Valkyrie is originally from New England and holds an Associates of Science in Computer Information Technology from Webster College.
MICHAEL GUTTER, PH. D. ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EXTENSION AND STATE PROGRAM LEADER, 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Dr. Michael Gutter is the Associate Dean for Extension - State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. His BS is in Family Financial Management and his PhD is in Family Resource Management from The Ohio State University with a specialization in Finance. Gutter worked for over a decade as a State Specialist in Wisconsin and then Florida until he move into administration in 2015. Gutter's research focuses on the role of heuristics and economic psychology in key financial behaviors. His outreach focuses on improving financial behaviors by increasing knowledge, skills, and access to services. Gutter's outreach projects include Managing in Tough Times, Florida Saves, and the Florida Master Money Mentor, My Financial Future. He regularly tweets on personal finance topics under @mikegutter on Twitter.
PIERCE JONES, PH. D. EXTENSION PROGRAM LEADER, ENERGY PROGRAMS
Dr. Jones is the Extension Program Leader for Energy Programs. He leads the development and delivery of educational programs and products related to energy- and resource-efficient community development with emphasis on housing. These programs and products include targeted continuing education courses for licensed builders, architects, engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, and others. Topical areas covered in these programs and products include energy efficiency; water conservation and quality; termite control and prevention; windstorm mitigation; resource efficient landscaping; indoor air quality; and other topics.
Dr. Jones works with Extension Specialists through Extension's Goal, Focus and Work Action Teams as well as other organizational units to encourage progressive and timely delivery of research-based information to various user groups. He also directs the recently established Program for Resource Efficient Communities, an interdisciplinary group that promotes the adoption of "best design, construction, and management practices" in new residential master planned developments.
Before coming to the Extension Administration office, Dr. Jones was an Information Technology Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Dr. Jones came to the University of Florida in 1985.
MARTIN MAIN, PH. D. ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EXTENSION, ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAMS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, FLORIDA SEA GRANT PROGRAM EXTENSION AND EDUCATION
Marty created the Florida Master Naturalist Program, a conservation education and natural history program for adults which is provided by many UF/IFAS extension offices and partner organizations throughout the state. The program issues about 1,000 certificates of completion annually, and has been replicated in a number of other states across the country. Since 1996, he has been a professor in UF's department of wildlife ecology and conservation. He conducts an active research program on the behavioral ecology of Florida wildlife such as deer, panthers and wading birds from the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. He is considered an expert on coyotes in Florida.
While completing his master's degree, Marty was named one of Florida's John A. Knauss Marine Policy fellows. The competitive program places highly qualified graduate students in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government for one year. Marty was a legislative aide fellow, and worked with the congressional subcommittee that reauthorized the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the federal legislation that ensures the sustainability of U.S. fisheries. He later served for two years as a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Marty has authored or co-authored nearly three dozen articles in scientific journals, more than 50 articles in extension publications, and chapters in four books. In 2005 he was named the Conservation Educator of the Year by the Florida Wildlife Federation. He has been recognized with the National Wetlands Award in Education and Outreach by the Environmental Law Institute for extraordinary effort, innovation and excellence in wetlands education and conservation.
SAQIB MUKHTAR, PH. D. ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EXTENSION, AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAMS LEADER
Saqib Mukhtar is a professor in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Florida (UF). In April 2015, he began as the Associate Dean for Extension and Agricultural Program Leader in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at UF. During October of 2019 he became the Associate Dean for Extension, Agricultural and Natural Resources Programs Leader. Saqib provides leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of IFAS/Extension's major initiatives that address critical issues in Florida's food, agricultural and horticultural production systems. He guides Extension High Priority Initiative Teams to accomplish milestones and goals outlined in the IFAS Extension Roadmap in 67 counties and 12 research and education centers.
From 1998 to 2015, he was an Extension specialist in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M University with statewide responsibilities in animal manure and process generated wastewater management education and research. Dr. Mukhtar holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in Pakistan (1981), a M.S. (1984) and Ph.D. (1989) in Agricultural Engineering from Iowa State University.
Nikki Wilson is the Office Assistant to Dr. Tim Momol, District Extension Director for the Central District of Extension, respectively. She composes and/or finalizes correspondence for the two directors, makes travel arrangements, and files reimbursement requests.
Nikki is responsible for the approval of time and leave for the Extension agents in the district, as well as the travel authorization requests and expense reports. She arranges and confirms faculty meetings and training with approximately 150 agents, confirming that the scheduling conflicts will be minimal. She handles the yearly reports as they are received from the counties.
Nikki ascertains that the Promotion and Tenure packets of the agents meet the guidelines of the University of Florida and IFAS. She prepares these packets for distribution to agents for voting and to other Extension personnel for their review of the packets. She is responsible for the communication between the agents and directors, either by phone, fax, or in person. Nikki assists the County Extension Directors with various other annual travel and training reports.
In addition, Nikki coordinates the interview schedules of prospective new agents for the Central District and, if necessary, corresponds with the candidates in relation to travel and lodging. Once an offer is made to the candidate and it is accepted, Nikki prepares and forwards the Letter of Offer and other employment paperwork to the new hire for his or her approval and signatures.
TIM MOMOL, PH. D. CENTRAL DISTRICT EXTENSION DIRECTOR
Tim Momol is the District Extension Director for the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Central Florida. Dr. Momol works closely with the Dean and Associate Dean of Extension and program leaders in 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, and Sea Grant / Natural Resources. Major emphasis is placed on hiring faculty, program development, implementation, evaluation, and county relations.
Dr. Momol received a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Florida. He worked at Akdeniz and Cornell Universities in research, extension and teaching. Since 1998, he served as a plant pathologist and extension specialist at the UF/IFAS, North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. He developed integrated management systems for tomato diseases and lead the Florida Plant Diagnostic Network (FPDN) and the Plant Disease Clinic at NFREC, Quincy, FL.
ANITA NEAL, PH.D. SOUTHEAST DISTRICT EXTENSION DIRECTOR, FLORIDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
Dr. Anita Neal is the District Extension Director for the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Southeast Florida. Ms. Neal works closely with the Dean and Senior Associate Dean of Extension and program leaders in 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, Sea Grant / Natural Resources and Energy. Major emphasis is placed on hiring faculty, program development, implementation, evaluation, and county relations.
Dr. Neal grew up in upstate New York, learning horticulture from her father and uncle, who were avid gardeners. She received a Bachelor of Biology from State University of New York in 1979, a Master of Agriculture Degree in Education and Communication from the University of Florida in 2002 and a PhD in Entomology in 2018. She joined the University of Florida IFAS Extension as an Environmental Horticulture agent in St. Lucie County in 1995 and became the County Extension Director in 2002. Ms. Neal has a desire for knowledge and a passion to share expanded learning.
ERIC SIMONNE, PH. D. NORTHEAST DISTRICT EXTENSION DIRECTOR
Eric Simonne is the District Extension Director for the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Northeast Florida. Dr. Simonne works closely with the Dean and Associate Dean of Extension and program leaders in 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, and Sea Grant / Natural Resources. Major emphasis is placed on hiring and mentoring faculty, program development, implementation, evaluation, and county relations.
Dr. Simonne received an MS-equivalent degree in Agronomical Engineering from the Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique de Toulouse, France, and a PhD in Horticulture from the University of Georgia. He started his Extension career at the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University where he coordinated the vegetable variety trial program, conducted research in irrigation scheduling, and assisted growers with production issues for six years. Before taking on DED responsibilities, he was an Extension Specialist in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida focusing on integrated water and nutrient management and Best Management Practices for vegetable crops.
KEITH GOUIN DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR THE UF/IFAS EXTENSION ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Keith Gouin is the Director of Finance for the UF/IFAS Extension Administration office. Keith works directly with the Dean and Associate Dean in the management of Extension resources, including budget development and administration.
KATHY HARTMAN BUSINESS MANAGER, 4-H YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES
Kathy Hartman is the Business Manager for the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. Kathy works directly for the Associate Dean for Extension and State Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities. She is responsible for the management of Florida 4-H resources, including budget development and administration. Kathy also is the liaison to the University of Florida’s Group Exemption for the County 4-H Associations.
CARREE MOSGROVE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Carree serves as the day-to-day resource for development and management of Extension’s financial activity related to revenue and gifts for all 67 counties.
Sara covers a wide range of administrative office tasks and special projects. She can assist with general questions and is happy to direct you to the correct contact personnel.
AMBER BUSH ACCOUNTANT
Amber assists with managing revenue, cash, and foundation funds for each county. This includes providing training information, PCards, travel, deposits, taxes, bill pay, journal entries, and reconciliations.
MELANIE EDMONDSON PERSONNEL COORDINATOR, COUNTY OPERATIONS OFFICE
Melanie Edmondson is the Personnel Coordinator for the County Operations Office. She works closely with everyone in the County Operations Office, each District Director's office, and the Associate Dean for Extension, while coordinating personnel actions for over 350 people statewide. Melanie works as the liaison between the counties and larger human resources offices across campus--including IFAS HR, Academic Personnel, and Central Employment. In addition, she is your contact person for payroll inquiries and time entry issues.
CHRISTY HUNTLEY RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR III
Christy Huntley is the Research Administrator III for IFAS Extension Business Services. She assists and advises Principle Investigators (PIs) on the interpretations and implementations new and existing federal, agency, state and university rules and regulations regarding grants.
Additionally, she oversees the fiscal dispensation of the Special Pesticide Certification Examination program, which is administered in sixty-seven Florida counties, she prepares the state contributions report – Partners for Progress – that is disseminated to Florida Extension offices annually, and she administers all Effort Reports each semester for faculty certification.
Christy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food & Resource Economics from the University of Florida.
AMY HOLTON RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR II
Amy Holton is a Research Administrator II with IFAS Extension Business Services. She assists and advises County Extension Directors on matters related to County “Grantlets”. This includes Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs), as well as building the upcoming year’s budget or any changes that may occur throughout the year. These “Grantlets” allow counties to send salary, travel and/or operating expenses to UF for support of Extension in their counties.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Health Services Administration from Santa Fe College.
ELIZABETH "BETH" MCLAUGHLIN HR LIAISON & TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Beth McLaughlin is the HR Liaison & Travel Specialist for the Business Services office for UF/IFAS Extension. Beth works directly with Charlotte Simmons – the Director of Administrative Services for the Business Services office – and is responsible for approving travel authorizations and expense reports for all sixty-seven counties. She also manages the personnel transactions for all TEAMS and OPS Onboarding.
Beth is a UF alum of the College of Journalism and Communications.
KARRIE PATRICK ACCOUNTANT I
Karrie Patrick Is the Accountant for UF/IFAS Extension Administration. Karrie works directly with Charlotte Simmons, Administrative Assistant for UF/IFAS Extension. She manages the state appropriations by administering the budget and expensing the capacity funds for all sixty-seven counties in the great Sunshine State of Florida. Additionally, managing the assets, vehicle fleet, and PCard assignments. Karrie is the main Department Security Administrator and provides access to UF systems. Karrie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management: Human Resources from Santa Fe College.
BECKY REDMOND HR GENERALIST II SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Becky provides professional support and expertise in a broad range of human resources functions and programs within IFAS Extension, such as payroll management; FMLA/Parental/Professional Development Leave; faculty hires, terminations and job changes; and coordinating HR details involving Extension employees in the 67 Florida counties. She serves as a human resources business partner to Extension administration, faculty, and staff. Becky holds a BBA from the University of Georgia in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources.