Board & Governance

People support decisions they help to make, and Cornell Cooperative Extension believes strongly in shared leadership through locally elected Boards of Directors and active program development committees.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors that consists of 11 elected community volunteers; 2 voting members appointed by the Niagara County Legislature and a representative from Cornell University. It includes people from towns throughout Niagara County who bring their knowledge of community needs and concerns to the governance of this organization. Our board sets policy, prioritizes educational programs and works with Extension's educational staff to ensure program effectiveness.

Program Committees for each of our issue areas guide the direction of the workshops, classes and other services that we offer the residents of Niagara County, and review the effectiveness of our efforts. Our programs have evolved over the years to reflect changes in values, ethics, community norms, family structures, mobility and the economy in direct response to this grassroots community involvement.

CCE-Niagara is delighted to have active and diverse Board of Directors and Program Committees, which are key to achieving strong and meaningful community impacts! If, as you read more about how we are governed, you believe you have a contribution to make to our programming as a volunteer, please get in touch! We welcome your input and ideas!

Joining the CCE Niagara Board:

Are you dedicated to the children, families, farmers, seniors and communities across Niagara County? Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of people in our community? Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Niagara County is searching for community members to fill open volunteer positions on its Board of Directors as well as their program and agriculture committees.

CCE serves residents of Niagara County through the following five program areas: agriculture & food systems, health & nutrition, 4-H/youth development, community & economic vitality, and environment & natural resources. Additionally, CCE also organizes the Niagara County Fair each year.

The Board of Directors is the governing body of CCE and is responsible for overall program direction and quality. These volunteers also establish the strategic direction, ensure adequate resources and assets, and oversee effective stewardship. It is through the participants on the Board and committees that the entire focus of CCE Niagara County is determined. This is a three-year commitment with a potential for an election to an additional three-year term.

Our Mission, at its core, is one of diversity and inclusion. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in candidates who would bring unique perspective and input to our current Board of Directors and Committee membership. Additionally, we have particular administrative need of members with a strong background in finance, accounting, investment planning, and/or fundraising.

Candidate Requirements/Voting:
Candidates must be Niagara County residents and over the age of 18. Meetings are held once a month on the CCE grounds located at 4487 Lake Avenue, in Lockport, NY.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Niagara County is seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to help guide one of the most impactful organizations in the region—supporting children, families, farmers, seniors, and the environment.

Why Join the Board?

As a Board Member, you’ll:

• Influence the direction of vital community programs
• Support local agriculture, youth, and economic development
• Ensure resources are used effectively to serve Niagara County
• Bring your expertise to a mission-driven team

CCE Niagara serves the community through five key program areas:

• Agriculture & Food Systems
• Health & Nutrition
• 4-H/Youth Development
• Community & Economic Vitality
• Environment & Natural Resources

We also proudly organize the Niagara County Fair—a beloved tradition that brings our community together.

We welcome diverse voices and perspectives. If you’re a Niagara County resident over 18 and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you—especially if you have experience in marketing, fundraising or accounting.

Board Member Details:

• Meetings: Monthly (weekday evenings), in-person at 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY, or remotely as needed
• Application Deadline: August 17, 2025
• Voting Closes: October 21, 2025
• Winners Announced: October 23, 2025 at our Annual Meeting

Ready to Lead?

• Click this link to apply now: Board Application 2025
• Board Member Expectations
• CCE Niagara Board Constitution
• Questions? Contact Mary Schroeder, Nominating Committee Chair, at gar2field@aol.com

You’ll receive a confirmation email within a few days of submitting your application. If not, please reach out to Mary directly.

Apply today to lead, serve and shape Niagara County!

Last updated July 14, 2025