Bobby Smith’s first job was on his family’s dairy farm in Boaz, Alabama. He felt right at home when University of Georgia Cooperative Extension hired him to work with farmers in Morgan County, one of the state’s most productive dairy regions, 18 years ago.

Almost two decades later, Smith uses his experience from the farm, the Extension office and in administration to help guide and support UGA Extension agents across northeast Georgia.

Since June 1, he has served as the director for UGA Extension’s 40-county Northeast District. In this role, he mentors young agents and assists seasoned agents in securing the resources they need to support their programs.

“I’m looking forward to serving northeast Georgia and working with all the agents who add value to our organization with great programs that build our county relationships,” he said.

UGA Extension serves every county in Georgia through a network of local Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development agents. Each county office is somewhat independent, but district directors, like Smith, guide programming throughout the region, help agents team up on joint projects and encourage professional development.

During his time with Extension, Smith has worked as a county agent, a county coordinator and an Agriculture and Natural Resources program development coordinator in northeast Georgia.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of district director, and we are excited to have him join the Extension leadership team,” said Laura Perry Johnson, associate dean for UGA Extension.

When he’s not working for Extension, Smith helps to raise dairy heifers with his grandchildren.

For more information about the resources and information available to Georgians through UGA Extension, visit www.extension.uga.edu.