Hurner Moving From Extension to County Position

Ernie Neff extension

hurner

Laurie Hurner is resigning as Highlands County Extension director and citrus agent Aug. 4 to become Highlands County assistant county administrator.

“There are no negative reasons for leaving, just an opportunity here for me to better serve my home county and even help UF (University of Florida) before it is over,” Hurner stated. “I feel that it is time in my life to support my home community in a different way. I want to assure you, as I have my faculty and staff, that I will continue to work with the office during the transition and with UF in finding my successor. Please rest assured that the county administrator, Randy Vosburg, and myself know the importance of Extension in our county, and its future is important to us both.”

Immediately prior to going to Highlands County as citrus Extension agent, Hurner worked as a field representative for Florida Citrus Mutual. She was previously an agriculture instructor at what is now South Florida State College in Avon Park. Learn more about Hurner here.

Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA) Executive Director Ray Royce said Hurner’s move is a “wonderful opportunity for her professionally. Frankly, it is also good for our community to have someone in that key administrative position that understands the needs of the ag community so well.  However, her leadership and citrus acumen at our county’s Extension office will certainly be missed.

“I have had the privilege to know Laurie for many years and to not only have worked closely with her as the executive director of HCCGA, but also as the chair of the Highlands County Overall Extension Advisory Committee,” Royce added. “We wish her well in her new endeavor, and look forward to working with UF/IFAS (UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) leadership to find new personnel to fill the very large shoes, both as citrus agent and Highlands County Extension director, which she leaves behind.”

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About the Author

Ernie Neff

Senior Correspondent at Large