LISBON, Ohio — Katie Houk, the Ohio State University Extension’s newest educator and director in Columbiana County, will be a busy person the next several months.
Houk, who previously served as 4-H program assistant in Mahoning County, took over full duties with Columbiana County March 1. She is the office’s only staff person and will have many duties to fulfill.
The main thing, she said, will be to “take it one day at a time and move onto the next.” Budget cuts have reduced Extension staffing in Columbiana and many other Ohio counties.
She was a 14-year 4-H member in Mahoning County, exhibiting various types of livestock and still projects. She lives on a farm near Poland, where she raises goats.
“I am very excited about this wonderful and exciting new opportunity to work with the youth and adults of Columbiana County,” she said. “I hope to engage those currently involved with the program to continue the successful work that they are doing and encourage those not involved to take advantage of the magnificent opportunities available.”
She holds a B.S. in Agriculture (animal sciences major, crop science minor) from The Ohio State University and a Master’s in nonprofit management and leadership from Walden University.
As part of her new appointment with OSU Extension, Houk hopes to forge new partnerships with businesses and organizations in Columbiana County and foster strong relationships with the 4-H families and stakeholders.
She said the information Extension provides is “vital” for citizens and stakeholders in the farm community, and said she looks forward to working with people across the county.
“I have an open door policy,” she said. “I want the citizens of Columbiana County to know that if they have questions, comments or concerns that they can stop by the office, call or email me and I will get them an answer as soon as possible.
“OSU Extension and the 4-H Youth Development program have an abundance of wonderful learning experiences for the youth and adults to engage in, and I look forward to leading such a strong and dedicated program for years to come.”
She can be reached at 330-424-7291, or houk.19@osu.edu.
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