Brenda Williams, workforce development extension educator in Chester County, has been named a statewide Leadership Administrative Fellow for Penn State Cooperative Extension for the 2007-2008 program year. The fellowship program provides an opportunity for a Penn State Cooperative Extension educator or faculty member to participate in professional leadership development activities outside of a formal program of coursework and his/her programmatic area.

As a Leadership Administrative Fellow, Brenda will commit 25 percent of her program time to the activities of the fellowship. In consultation with the director’s council, she will develop an action plan for the year’s activities, including personal development plans, shadowing opportunities, and tangible project outcomes for the extension organization.  Brenda will focus on workforce development as part of her fellowship including developing a statewide plan for a workforce development program, identifying faculty and staff interested in workforce development, strengthening Outreach, college and campus connections in workforce development, and determining funding possibilities and strategies. 
  
Brenda has been a workforce development extension educator serving both Chester and Delaware counties since 2001. The educational programs she has led include the Community Bridge Project, which helps low-income residents develop life and employment skills in order to make a successful transition from welfare to work. She also is an adjunct professor at Lincoln University, teaching oral communications and reading/study skills.

Prior to joining Penn State, Brenda held positions in public education administration and speech pathology, customer service, and marketing and development for performing arts organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from Ohio University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Youngstown State University.  Brenda has completed the Penn State Management Institute and has a Leadership Certificate from Penn State Great Valley.

Please welcome Brenda as the Leadership Fellow.