Executive Board and Council
2022 Executive Board
Jeff Otto, chair
John Hecht, vice-chair
Susan Hussey, treasurer
Donna Pearson-McClish, secretary
Bonnie Hitzeman, at-large
Mel Hussey, at-large
Corey Lyons, at-large
Karla Jahn, at-large
Program Development Committee (PDC) Members / Extension Council Members
The Program Development Committees each consist of six elected members that represent the community. The election is held each October, and every eligible voter in Sedgwick County may come vote. PDC members work together with extension agents to develop local programming throughout the year and promote the mission of K-State Research and Extension. Kansas extension county laws require four program development committees, with six or more members serving on each committee. In counties, members of the committees are elected, and additional members may be appointed.
There are four PDC areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Vitality, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development. Each of the four areas hosts six elected PDC members with a term that lasts two years.
4-H Youth Development
Empowering youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in patnership with caring adults is at the heart of 4-H. This PDC works to develop programming that best fits the needs of kids through after-school programs, school and community clubs, and 4-H camp.
Name | PDC Term Ends |
Donielle Watson, chair | 2022 |
Martina Holmes, secretary | 2022 |
Gisela Pena | 2022 |
Martha Adame | 2023 |
Mel Hussey | 2023 |
Corey Lyons | 2023 |
* Denotes second term
Agriculture and Natural Resources
This PDC works to establish programming that serves area producers,
growers, farmers, and individuals interested in community beautification.
Name | PDC Term Ends |
Irene Denault, chair | 2023* |
Aaron Pauly, secretary | 2022 |
Jeff Otto | 2022* |
John Hecht | 2022 |
Mark Bergkamp | 2023* |
Karla Jahn | 2023 |
* Denotes second term
Community Vitality
Building community is essential to the mission of Extension. This PDC
strives to create a vision across traditional geographical, sociological, and
political boundaries by promoting Extension activities and creating program
opportunities that assist civic leaders in Sedgwick County.
Name | PDC Term Ends |
Joshua Molello, chair | 2022* |
Lori Lohrenz, secretary | 2023 |
Marquetta Atkins | 2022 |
Donna Pearson-McClish | 2022* |
Maggie Ballard | 2023 |
Susan Hussey | 2023 |
* Denotes second term
Family and Consumer Sciences
Creating healthy and sustainable families is central to the work of family and
consumer sciences. Members of the FCS PDC aim to develop programs that
meet the needs of today’s families when it comes to health, nutrition, family
resources, adult development and personal growth.
Name | PDC Term Ends |
Bonnie Hitzeman, chair | 2023* |
Debbie Williams, secretary | 2023 |
Heidi Wells | 2022* |
Ana Lopez | 2022 |
Teresa Molina | 2022 |
Vince Painter | 2023 |
* Denotes second term
Resources for Local Board Members
Board Leadership Modules | Board Leadership Modules |
Excellence in Board Leadership | Board Excellence Newsletter |