Lisa Smith has been named Interim County Extension Director for Bertie County following the retirement of Billy Barrow. She began serving in the interim role on May 1 and will continue in that capacity until a permanent director is selected.

Smith currently serves as the County Extension Director for Martin County, where she has provided leadership for local Cooperative Extension programming and community initiatives. In her interim role in Bertie County, she will help ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services while the search for a new County Extension Director is underway. Community partners and residents can expect continued access to Cooperative Extension programs and resources as the county moves through the leadership change.

Lisa began her career in Extension as a 4-H Agent in Lenoir County and later served as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Pitt County. She spent several years away from the professional world to raise her two sons, spending many hours volunteering in their schools. Lisa returned to Extension in 2019 as the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Educator in Martin County, and she has served as CED in Martin County since 2022.