The following article printed in the 2019 Summer edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter and in the May 16, 2019 edition of the Oldham Era.

Extension Leader of the Year

Each year, the Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service honors a volunteer who shows outstanding leadership and commitment to Extension programs. During our open house on May 7, Ken Heppermann was recognized as the 2019 Extension Leader of the Year.

A long-time supporter of Extension, Ken began volunteering by teaching a business management class for Extension in 2006. In 2009, he became a member of the Oldham County Extension Council, helping identify needs that Extension can address through its programs. He served as the council’s president from 2012 to 2013 as well as on Council Event and Marketing Committees many times over the years.

Another advisory group that is vital to Extension is the District Board which provides oversight of funds and spending. A board member since 2013, Ken served as the board’s president from 2015 to 2018. In his role with the District Board, he has prepared annual reports for Extension, and presented the budget to Fiscal Court members. He has also spent countless hours planning and meeting with Extension Staff and Board members to move Extension to to its new location on Parker Drive.

Oldham County Extension continues to move forward with improved services and educational programs for residents, thanks to the dedication of Ken and many other volunteer leaders.

Written by Traci Missun, Oldham County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent. Edited by Lauren Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Assistant.