Cornell Cooperative Extension

Find your county’s own CCE office at cce.cornell.edu/local-offices.

Year established: 1913

Number of employees: 30

Geographic service area: Ulster County

group of students observing a snake

TOP FUNDING SOURCES:

Each county association is independently funded through a county appropriation, state and federal matching funds, grants and contracts, and program revenue and individual contributions.

We bring ivy league education to Hudson Valley communities by providing solutions to everyday problems using world-class research.

-Charlie Pane, Outreach & Engagement Manager

OUR MISSION

CCE puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping NYS families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

HOW WE MAKE AN IMPACT

Cornell Cooperative Extension works to keep New York State a vibrant place to live, work, and recreate through education and outreach in a wide variety of areas from food and nutrition to economic vitality to environmental and social resilience. We connect communities with Cornell University research and expertise to empower our neighbors, local businesses, towns, and cities. CCE educators work to support individuals and families with raising children, saving energy and money, growing and preparing food, starting and sustaining businesses, and protecting the environment.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

Unrestricted contributions from members of our communities are the most needed as they enable CCE to rapidly innovate, iterate, and implement research-based programs and services to respond to the needs of our community. Some programs may accept in-kind contributions of goods or services, inquire with the office.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteering with CCE is a great way to get involved in your community, receive research based educational support, utilize your talents and spread the education to everyone who lives, works, and recreates in Ulster County. Opportunities include Master Gardener Volunteers, 4-H, environmental outreach, the board of directors, and more.

LEADERSHIP

Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell University.

CCE Ulster County’s board consists of elected community volunteers and representatives from Cornell University, the County Executive’s office, and the County Legislature. It includes people from throughout Ulster who bring their knowledge of community needs and concerns to the governance of this organization. The board sets policy, hires the Executive Director, prioritizes educational programs and works with Extension’s educational staff to ensure program effectiveness.

Executive Director: Melanie Forstrom

2024 Directors:

• Larry Queipo,
• Tara Talaber, Vice Pres.
• Maria Oakley,
• Sharon Burns-Leader,
• Al Mainetti
• Alana Hueston
• Alex Julson
• Blake Arrowood
• Ed Norman
• Karli Kop
• Tammy DeWitt
• Dennis Doyle, Executive Rep.
• Megan Sperry, Legislature Rep.
• Adam Hughes, Cornell University Rep.