Extension Director Receives Long Leaf Pine Award

Richard Bonanno, outgoing associate dean and director of NC State Extension in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), has been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award for state service given by the North Carolina Governor. According to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society website, the award honors “persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.” 

While conferred by Governor Roy Cooper, CALS Dean Garey Fox presented the award to Bonanno on Friday, Aug. 23, during Bonanno’s retirement celebration.

“Rich Bonanno embodies the most commendable qualities of public service and education,” said Dean Fox. “His dedicated service and immeasurable impact across North Carolina, NC State and our land-grant system will continue to be felt for many years to come.”

NC State Extension is the nation’s second-largest Extension organization. Under Bonanno’s leadership, Extension has delivered over $2 billion annually in economic impact for North Carolina.

Jeanine Gaul, executive assistant to the Extension director, nominated Bonanno on behalf of the more than 1,000 Extension employees statewide. Bonanno will retire from NC State on Aug. 31, capping a 41-year career of service, with nearly nine years spent at the helm of the Extension program.

“I know that you will all continue to do great work as we move forward, and thanks again for letting me be a part of this organization,” Bonanno said in his final message to employees. “It’s truly been a wonderful honor and opportunity to be able to serve with you over these last eight-and-a-half years.”