The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (June 5, 2011)  – The Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotion of Amanda Galigher Speer to the position of Director of Programming. In this position Amanda will be responsible for planning, directing and evaluation of Extension’s programs, activities and events.

Marc Jaffe, President of Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension issued the following statement: “This change in Amanda’s responsibilities is the result of Extension’s Board of Director’s commitment to streamline operations, strengthen our partner relationships, increase our ability to expand potential funding sources, and create synergies among our own programming offerings as we continue to meet the challenges we will face as we move forward to meet the needs of our community.

“Amanda will work with our program committees to insure that we are working across program areas to provide a continuum of services that are collaborative, comprehensive and outcome driven.”

Speer has served Extension as Issue leader for Family and Consumer Science for the past three years. In that position she has worked with many organizations and individuals to create new programs and expand existing programs, especially in the areas of parenting and youth development. She has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Mercy College.

Speer recently spearheaded a collaboration that planned and held the County’s very successful summit for not-for-profit organizations.

Speer has received much praise for her work. Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature said, “I have had the opportunity to work with Amanda Speer from your organization on the upcoming not-for-profit summit. Amanda has done an outstanding job of bringing the project together.  She is truly an asset to your organization and the County.”

Darlene Fedun, Chief Operating Officer for Bethel Woods, one of the co-sponsors of the summit commented, “I would like to say that you have no better representative for your organization than Amanda. She is committed, dedicated to Cornell’s mission, and a positive cheerleader for your organization’s work. Even in difficult economic times, Amanda has represented your organization with grace, enthusiasm, and unsurpassed leadership.”

Jaffee concluded: “The Sullivan County Cooperative Extension Board of Directors is committed to continue to be an integral and vital resource for our community and look forward to working with Amanda and all our talented and dedicated staff and partners to provide quality programs and services to the Sullivan County community.”