Meet the Candidates

Our Extension Council nominating committee works hard to find the best candidates for each Program Development Committee (PDC.)

Learn more about the role of the Extension Council

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Ashley Hornberger

Ashley lives outside Baldwin city with her husband & 3 sons on their family farm. She works as a crop insurance underwriter for ProAg & stays active in her community through the local farmers market and her kids activities, including 4-H & sports.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"Extension work is interesting to me because it has so many avenues of impact on local communities. There are programs & events for just about everyone from all walks of life."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"I see Douglas County Extension growing. We are working to reach more members of the community & tap into underserved areas or populations. I have no doubt this is a goal we reach in the future."

Hazlett Henderson

Hazlett Henderson is a PhD student in Geography at the University of Kansas. Born and raised in Douglas County, she works in local libraries and volunteers with many local institutions, including the Food Policy Council and the Extension Master Gardener program.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"As a graduate student in geography, I'm trained to understand the world through the prism of human-environment relationships: land use, food systems, natural heritage. The Extension office is so important in our community because it provides opportunities to learn about and engage in those relationships in profound, hands-on ways. I'm thinking 4-H, soil tests, cooking classes, land stewardship resources -- these allow both urban and rural residents of our county to work with land and its products in informed and generative ways."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"When I think about the future of Extension, I think about the future of our local land in general: the drought, heat, and fire that climate scientists are predicting will intensify (and that we're already seeing). Our community's ability to responsibly and carefully steward our environmental resources is only going to become more important in that context, and Extension has a central role in cultivating that ability -- and the agricultural, horticultural, and culinary knowledges that enable it. "

Clark Cropp

Clark Cropp retired from the KU Endowment Association in 2022, and have been enjoying family, friends, pets, traveling, and walking soccer since then.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"I have a strong interest to return my 10 acres of land in Vinland valley to a healthy native prairie and woodland as much as possible. "

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"My hope for the Extension is for it to continue - and to enhance - it’s education and assistance to rural landowners in the responsibilities of managing our precious natural environment."

Community Health & Wellness

Heather Coates

Heather lives in East Lawrence with her husband and their dog, on a small plot of ground that they are slowly turning into vegetable and fruit gardens. Currently, she works as the Director of Community Resource Navigation for the United Way of Kaw Valley, working to connect people in the community to needed resources.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"I love how Extension works to improve the health of the whole person and the communities where we live. I am interested in the work being done to improve our community’s health through access to good nutritional information, healthy and fresh food, and working to decrease food insecurity. I also greatly appreciate the wealth of knowledge available on growing food and preservation."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"More of the same. More local research and more dissemination of good information that works to increase the health of our communities."

Jan Brummel

After earning degrees from KSU in Family and Consumer Sciences, Jan Brummel enjoyed a career in education and non-profit administration. In retirement, her life centers around family and she looks for ways to give back to my community.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"Since joining the Master Food Volunteers, I have become more aware and interested in ways that Kaitlyn and her staff interact with and create opportunities that impact the health and wellness of our community, specifically with support for food assistance and nutrition."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"With limited resources, I hope to see creative ways to continue as well as initiate effective programs that outreach to the diverse populations of Douglas County."

Karen Lewis

Bio coming soon!

4-H Youth Development

Jacqui Folks

A passionate community leader dedicated to service, inclusion, and youth development. Through her work with Douglas County Farm Bureau and Special Olympics, she strives to strengthen her community and create inclusive and intentional opportunities for everyone to thrive.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"What interests me most is the ability of Extension to connect research and education with practical, meaningful solutions that directly benefit our local communities. I appreciate the emphasis on youth development and community engagement, and the opportunity to help people of all ages learn, grow, and succeed."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"I see a future where Extension continues to strengthen its role as a trusted community resource by building partnerships, expanding educational opportunities, and responding to the evolving needs of Douglas County residents. Continued collaboration with local organizations, schools, and community leaders will be essential to increasing Extension’s reach and creating an even greater impact."

Brevin Flory

Brevin Flory is a level 1 IT technician at USD 434. He was a twelve year member of the Lone Star 4-H club and was a Kansas Key award recipient.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"What most interest me about Douglas County Extension is the ability to provide resources to many members of our community on a broad range of topics. "

Where do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"I think the future of Douglas County Extension includes more involvement in schools and the community. Provide more resources to lower income families."

Danielle Jehle

Danielle Jehle grew up in central Kansas and now live with her husband and two children on a Farm in the Worden area. After completing Social Work degrees from KU and working in a variety of fields, she currently work as a school counselor at Baldwin High School.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"I have learned so much about 4-H and the work that Extension does since my own children have joined 4-H. I have really seen the benefits of the 4-H program for children and I look forward to learning more about all of the things that Extension does for our community. "

Where do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"I anticipate that there could be great things for the future of Extension in Douglas County. I’m curious about how Extension staff has to change and evolve to keep up with the changing needs of the community but also know that there are amazing staff doing just that. "

Community Development

Shanda Hurla

Shanda Hurla serves as the Post-Secondary Success Coordinator at Eudora High School, following 11 years as Executive Director of the Eudora Schools Foundation. She is an active member of the Douglas County Extension Council, serving on the Community Development Program Development Committee (PDC), and is passionate about connecting people, building community partnerships, and creating opportunities that help individuals and communities thrive.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"I appreciate how Extension brings practical education, resources, and people together to address real needs in our communities. I'm especially interested in the opportunities to build partnerships, develop local leadership, and connect people with resources that make a meaningful difference.

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"I see Extension continuing to grow as a connector between people, organizations, and communities throughout Douglas County. By building strong partnerships, responding to changing community needs, and reaching people of all ages and backgrounds, Extension can play an important role in strengthening our communities for the future."

Andrew Madl

Andrew Madl is the current Senior Vice President of Mid America Bank, a local real estate lending bank with three offices in Douglas county. He and his wife have two wonderful children with one currently in 4-H.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"I was a 4-H kid growing up and believe it was an important part to my upbringing. 4-H teaches you a lot about work ethic, food systems, competition and so many other things. I am appreciate what it did for me and want to make sure it continues."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"Continued efforts in strengthening our local community in all aspects 4-H, Community Development, Ag and Health and Wellness. As our community is expanding/growing and it will make certain areas the extension counsel focuses on more difficult. For example, growth/development using farm ground which could impact 4-H and Farmers. I look forward to navigating these challenges."

Tyler Lindquist

Tyler has been a member of the Douglas Co Food Policy Council since January 2019, has served two terms as chair/co-chair, became certified in 2021 as a “Local Food Leader” through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, currently chairs the council’s Economic Development working group. With his rural upbringing and personal and policy experience in urban and rural food systems, Tyler’s goal is to continue developing personal and professional relationships made over the years with the goal of facilitating conversations and connections in our community and assist in the continued growth and resiliency of local food systems.

What most interests you about the work being done in Extension?

"During my more than seven years serving on the Douglas County Food Policy Council, a joint advisory board of the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, I have gained a strong appreciation for the importance of connecting land-grant universities with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as with the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make up our county’s food system. K-State Extension plays a critical role in strengthening these connections and supporting our local food economy. Initiatives such as the K-State 105 program and the work of food business resource navigators, who provide direct support to food entrepreneurs, are essential to advancing economic development in Douglas County, particularly by expanding opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs."

How do you see the future of Extension in Douglas County?

"I hope to see Extension continue to strengthen its relationships within Douglas County while leveraging regional and statewide resources and partnerships to further support our local food system, particularly food system entrepreneurs. These collaborative efforts can not only drive economic development but also advance community health and wellness through partnerships with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and LiveWell Douglas County."