Tyrone Fisher, an experienced Extension agent and county Extension director, has been tapped to lead North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Orange County Center, effective Aug. 1.

The appointment was announced this week by Orange County Manager Bonnie Hammersley and NC State Extension’s Director Richard Bonnano and Associate Director Sheri Schwab.

Fisher succeeds Carl Matyac, who retired in April after serving as county extension director since 2010.

Fisher, who holds a master’s degree from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s from Southern A&M University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, currently is county Extension director for Harnett County. He also has served in Northampton, Wake, Cumberland, Lee, Warren and Franklin counties.

Extension’s North Central District Director Jim Cowden said Fisher has the supervisory skills to lead the Extension staff in Orange County “to new heights in the years to come.”

“Fisher believes in principle-centered leadership,” Cowden said. “His vision for Extension in Orange County includes teamwork; providing measurable, focus-driven programs; collaboration and building new relationships; and frequently communicating with advisory groups and others.”

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC State and North Carolina A&T State universities, along with county governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Together they serve as a bridge between the campuses and local communities, delivering research-based education, tools and technology for all North Carolinians.