Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has announced that Nichol Kleespies will serve as the new regional director for Cherokee, Buena Vista, Ida, Sac, and Calhoun counties. She begins the role on Jan. 26.
In her new role, Kleespies will provide administrative leadership to county extension office staff and guidance to elected county extension councils, ensuring programs remain strong and responsive to local needs.
Kleespies has worked with ISU Extension and Outreach for more than a decade, most recently in the 4-H Youth Development program. Her experience includes leading staff to deliver high-quality programming, overseeing budgets, and building systems to maintain consistency during periods of transition.
Kleespies is a graduate of Buena Vista University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship. She later earned a master’s in education administration from Colorado State University and a Doctor of Business Administration from National University in California.
ISU Extension leaders say Kleespies’ established relationships across Iowa and within the organization will serve her well in the new role. Assistant Vice President Andrea Welchans congratulated her appointment, noting her leadership and experience will make her a successful regional director.
ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service, a nationwide network of land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that determines how to locally support educational programs locally.
