Cornell Cooperative Extension

Ulster County
board table in meeting room

Board of Directors

Our Nominating Committee recruits and evaluates potential Board candidates. Read the position description to learn more.

About the Board

People support decisions they help to make, and Cornell Cooperative Extension believes strongly in shared leadership through our locally elected Board of Directors.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors that consists of 13 elected community volunteers, a representative from Cornell University, a representative from the Ulster County Executive's office, and a liaison to the Ulster County Legislature. It includes people from towns throughout Ulster County who bring their knowledge of community needs and concerns to the governance of this organization. Our Board sets policy, hires the Executive Director, prioritizes educational programs and works with Extension's educational staff to ensure program effectiveness.

Board Members represent each of our issue areas, guide the direction of the workshops, classes and other services that we offer the residents of Ulster County, and review the effectiveness of our efforts. Our programs have evolved over the years to reflect changes in values, ethics, community norms, family structures, mobility, and the economy in direct response to this grassroots community involvement.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.

Current Members

Office First Name Last Name Member Through Representing
Elected Members
Blake Arrowood 2025
Accord
Lisa Berger 2027
New Paltz

Tanya DeWitt 2026 Accord
Frances Gonzalez 2027 Gardiner
Secretary Shanna Gonzalez 2027 Napanoch

Alana Hueston 2026 Kerhonkson
Alexandra Julson 2027 Wallkill
Karli Kopp 2026
Kingston
Lyra Leigh-Nedbor 2027
Olivebridge
Vice President

 Alfred Mainetti 2025
Kingston
Julie Noble 2027 Gardiner
Treasurer Edward Norman 2026
Kingston

President

Tara Talaber 2025
Highland
Kim Wagner 2027 Marlboro
Appointed Representatives
Dennis Doyle appointed Ulster County Planning Department

Paul R. O' Connor appointed Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration
Megan Sperry appointed
Ulster County Legislature, District 17

Joining the Board

If you are interested in joining the Board or a program advisory committee, please contact Melanie Forstrom at maf357@cornell.edu

2025 Board Meetings

Our Board meetings are held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at our Kingston office at 232 Plaza Road.

  • Monday, January 13, 2025
  • Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Monday, May 19, 2025
  • Monday, July 28, 2025
  • Monday, September 22
  • Monday, November 24, 2025

Contact

Melanie Forstrom
Executive Director
maf357@cornell.edu
845-340-3990 ext. 320

Last updated May 9, 2025

About Us

Board Interest

Any resident of Ulster County, aged 18 or older, can express interest in joining the board. This process is governed by our Association Nominating Committee. 

As a member, you will have oversight in helping CCEUC carry out our mission and represent the people who live, work, and recreate in Ulster County.

OUR MISSION:

Cornell Cooperative Extension 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 New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Supported by a federal, state, and local government partnership, the national land grant system, and Cornell University, CCE's professional staff engage New Yorkers in research, outreach and educational programs that transform communities.

Events

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