On behalf of the current members of the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Tompkins County Board of Directors and its staff, we thank you for your interest in learning more about joining our board membership. We are actively working to compose a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we invite you to bring your interests, enthusiasm and lived experience to our work.
Cooperative Extension’s mission is to enable people to improve their lives and community through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Our programs are developed in direct response to community input and include offerings in home gardening, food and nutrition, parenting skills, 4-H youth clubs and activities, agriculture, environmental issues, community development, and more!
CCE Tompkins is governed by an elected Board of Directors, who are responsible for:
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prioritizing and evaluating the organization’s program portfolio
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selecting and evaluating the performance of the chief executive
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ensuring effective strategic and organizational planning
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ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
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enhancing the organization’s public image
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recruitment of new board members
In addition, four Board Standing Committees allow members to choose a focus that most appeals to them: Facilities, Finance, PEOPLE (Personnel, Engagement, Organizational development, Policy, Leadership, & Effectiveness), and Nominating.
Full Board meetings are held monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 5 – 7pm. Board Standing Committees meet once a month for two hours at a time prescribed by the committee.
Terms are 3 years beginning January 2027 and ending December 2029, with the opportunity to serve two consecutive 3-year terms. There is no financial commitment required to serve. Board members must be residents of Tompkins County.
To apply, please complete the following form. Applications will be accepted until October 17, 2026. All applicants will be contacted via e-mail by the Nominating Committee or myself with next steps.
Sincerely,
Karin Harjes
CCE Tompkins BoD President
tompkins@cornell.edu