March 2005 New Agents
From left to right: Brian Jones, Karen Martin, J. David Fourqurean, Philip Konopka, David Embrey, Melanie Bealmear, Laura Ray, Ann Hollon, Susan Fox
Below is more information about each New Agent:
After spending the past two summers working as an Extension Intern in Kentucky, Brian Jones is now an Extension Agent for Horticulture in Jefferson County. Brian’s intern placements were with Dr. Gary Palmer in Agronomy and with Dr. Paul Vincelli in Plant Pathology. He received a Bachelor’s in Horticulture from Fort Valley State University in Georgia where he was active in his fraternity and the marching band.
Prior to becoming an agent, Karen Martin, Jefferson County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, was an active leader with the 4-H horse program in Jefferson County. She comes to Extension with a background in retail management and training. Most recently she worked as a manager for Linens N Things and she also spent several years as a manager and trainer for JoAnn Fabrics. Karen is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned a B.S. in Consumer Services.
J. David Fourqurean, Trigg County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources, is no newcomer to Extension. He grew up following his father, John Fourqurean, who was also an agent in Trigg County, to Extension functions. David has been involved as a leader in agriculture in his community, serving as chair of the Beef IRM committee, the Pennyrile CPH-45 committee, and the Trigg County Cattleman’s Association. He was also coordinator for the Tobacco Settlement Funds. David earned his Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Murray State University.
When Philip Konopka was an Extension Intern the Summer of 2004, he was involved in efforts to support a regional produce market. He also set up a digital consulting service for Mason County Extension Office where he worked under Bill Peterson. Philip is now the Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Lewis County. He received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Agriculture from Morehead State University.
David Embrey, the new Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources in Edmonson County, completed a Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University. He is also nearly finished with his Masters in Agriculture at WKU. Before attending college, David served six years with the U.S. Army. In addition to providing leadership to the agriculture program in Edmonson County, David also shares responsibility for the 4-H program with Christy Ramey.
Before coming to Extension, Melanie Bealmear, Union County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences, had already been working with the community. In her most recent position with Audubon Area Community Services, she helped local residents get assistance with their home utility payments. She also worked as a coordinator of the Union County Literacy Council. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Interior Design and Textiles & Clothing Merchandising.
Laura Ray first got involved in the Garrard County 4-H program as a 4-H leader. She was later hired as the 4-H Assistant and in March, became the Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development. Laura has a Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Eastern Kentucky University where she was active in the Agriculture Club and the National Poultry Association. She was a 4-H member in Ohio.
Ann Hollon, Wolfe County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences, started her new career with Extension in February. Ann previously taught Family and Consumer Sciences at a high school in Ohio and most recently was the Activities Director for a nursing home in Jackson, Ky. She received a Bachelor’s in Home Economics and a Master’s in Adult and Continuing Education from Morehead State University.
Susan Fox began her Extension career with Penn State University where she worked for 14 years. In her first county, she had responsibilities with 4-H and worked with dairy farmers. She later moved to another county where she served as County Director and Extension Educator. In February she began her position as the new County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources in Lyon County. Susan received a B.S. in Agriculture and a M.S. in Dairy Science from Western Kentucky University.