Bradley named Rutherford County Extension director

Jeffrey K. Bradley, area agricultural Extension agent based in Buncombe County, has been named director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension center in Rutherford County, effective July 12.

Bradley’s appointment was announced by Rutherford County Manager John Condrey and Dr. Joe Zublena, interim director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. Bradley succeeds Steve Duckett, who resigned in May 2009 to become the Extension director in Buncombe County.

Bradley has served as an area agent since 2005. Before that, he was an agricultural education instructor for Polk County Schools and an extension agent in Polk County. He also has experience as a processing and feedmill supervisor for Tyson Foods in Monroe.

Bradley earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education from N.C. State University.

“Jeff Bradley brings a positive attitude to collaborating with staff, Advisory Council members and users of Extension with a proactive approach for all residents who use the educational opportunities offered by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at the Rutherford County Center,” said Dr. Deborah Crandall, director of Cooperative Extension’s West Central District, which includes Rutherford County.

-D. Shore