~by Lora Koch, The Scranton Journal
The Greene County ISU Extension Office recently welcomed Lori Mannel as the new Extension coordinator. Born and raised in Jefferson, she has more than 20 years of community development experience. Mannel is the former Greene County Chamber director, and spent the last 12 years with the American Cancer Society, most recently as state director.
When we caught up with Mannel, she was very enthusiastic about the staff, services, and opportunities within the Extension office.
Question: What background and experience do you bring to your new role?
Answer: I was born and raised in Jefferson and after high school attended business school for a year. I held a variety of jobs, but knew there was more I could do and I needed a college degree to do it. So, I went back to school and received a BA degree through Buena Vista.
I was the Jefferson Chamber director for about five years, and really enjoyed this position. After I had my third daughter, I pursued a job with full benefits since my husband is self-employed. My first position with the American Cancer Society was a field specialist responsible for income development, which is fundraising.
After a year, I was promoted to manager doing events and supervising staff, and then later became state director.
The common thread through my career is community development and volunteer based. I also worked with the Extension office while at the Chamber. I feel like I moved away and came back home where I know the audience and know the faces.
Question: Why were you interested in this position?
Answer: After a transition at the American Cancer Society, I took a few years off and volunteered on the Grow Greene County board of directors. I was approached by the Extension Council about this position, and I wanted it to be the right fit for me and the right time.
I like the Extension volunteer council, and we are about community development, education, and information. ISU has impeccable integrity and is well-respected in the community.
The position fit my background, but was a new opportunity with a lot to learn. Extension is about building our community and my hometown. There are a lot of exciting things going on right now, and in the future through the Grow Greene County board.
Question: What do you hope to accomplish at the Extension office?
Answer: We will continue to meet the needs of the community through unbiased, research-based information. In the areas of housing, education, and healthcare, ISU Extension needs to be a key player, either alone or as a partner. We want to be successful in community partnerships and collaborations. It’s more than a job for me, it’s about quality of life in my community.
I am very proud of our team at the Extension office. We have a strong and engaged Extension council, amazing volunteers, and a larger staff than most offices. We are a strong unit.
Question: What else can you tell us about yourself?
Answer: I have been happily married to Dan, who is a farmer, for 29 years. We have three daughters. Our oldest is getting married, so we are working on our first wedding. Our second daughter is at University of Northern Iowa, and our third daughter is a junior at Greene County High School.
It’s nice to be back working in Jefferson and to see so many people. They have all been so welcoming and supportive!
For more information about ISU Extension Office programming and resources, email xgreene@iastate.edu or call 515-386-2138.
