Executive director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County to retire

WATERTOWN, NY – The Board of Directors of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County is announcing the retirement, later this fall, of its Executive Director, Kevin J. Jordan. Mr. Jordan has been the Executive Director for Cooperative Extension for the past 10 years. Mr. Jordan will complete his career after working for over 30 years in various community development positions in the North Country and, prior to that, five years in accounting and management in the private sector. Before coming to Cooperative Extension, he worked for 17 years at the Development Authority of the North Country. Prior to his time there, he worked for the St. Lawrence County Office of Economic Development.

Cooperative Extension is affiliated with Cornell University’s land grant designation, working to provide research-based information to the community in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, youth development, nutrition, parenting, and community development. As a result of its governing legislation, County Law 224, the organization has a direct relationship with not only Cornell University, but Jefferson County, the State of New York, and USDA.

Mr. Jordan expressed that he has thoroughly enjoyed working with so many capable people at Cooperative Extension during his tenure. “There is a reason this amazing organization has existed for over 110 years in Jefferson County” he notes. “Extension’s fundamental mission is to improve people’s lives. How can you go wrong with improving people’s lives if an organization is really good at it. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking on the challenges associated with running a non-profit. It has not always been easy, especially over the past two pandemic years. But it is so very satisfying to me when you see skills and potential in talented staff members, many times even before they do. You give them the encouragement, resources, and guidance to go out in the community and watch them grow and excel professionally while accomplishing our mission of supporting county businesses and residents.”

Board President James Corriveau says the organization has grown and matured significantly during Kevin’s tenure. “Beyond the substantial growth in all program areas, Kevin’s leadership has inspired the team to achieve ever increasing measures of effectiveness and relevance. Kevin and team have taken Extension’s core funding and leveraged it many times over with outside grants and contracts, ultimately for the benefit and betterment of Jefferson County residents.”

Mr. Jordan also notes that while he will retire from his position at Cooperative Extension, he expects to continue supporting the community through volunteer efforts. “I was born and raised in the North Country, educated at three different colleges in the North Country, and raised my family in the North Country. I have every intention of continuing to give back to the community that has presented me with so many amazing opportunities and the ability to learn from so many dedicated people over the past 30+ years”, Jordan said.

The Board of Director’s will begin a formal search process for Jordan’s replacement.