Snow Hill - Neuse News is beginning a series to introduce Greene County readers to some of the influential, interesting, and decision-making leaders of our community. Consider this “Meet Me Greene County” column a look into what makes Greene County the special place it is to live, work, and play.

This week’s featured person is Jessica Anderson, who serves as the Director for the Greene County Extension Center. Anderson came to Greene County a little over a year and a half ago. Previously, she had served as a Livestock agent in Anson and then in Wilson County. She describes her path to her position and Greene County as “Winding”. 

Born in Raised in South Western Pennsylvania, Anderson says, “I didn’t live on a farm or have any major interactions with animals until I encountered a 4H group.”

Through that experience, Anderson got the opportunity to learn about farming and learned about showing and raising animals. After high school, she moved to North Carolina to study Animal Science at North Carolina State. 

Anderson describes her role as “An administrator for the office and the agents. I play a role in trying to connect and assist the Agricultural entities throughout the county.” She went on to share that she works closely with the Economic and community development agencies throughout the county. She said, “My job is to bridge the game between our land-grant universities and the county that we serve.”

Throughout our conversation, Anderson described the blow that the pandemic has had on their influence and organization. She spoke about being in a rebuilding phase with several programs that were handicapped with Covid. She referenced that “we have had a large turnover as well, which is always a challenge.” She described her office as an “underutilized resource”.

When we spoke, she had just welcomed a brand new youth agent that is working with Anderson to rebuild the 4H program as a whole. Greene County has a strong shooting sports team, but Anderson wants to expand that focus so students can interact with more agricultural based programs.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with West Greene Elementary School through our hatching program.” She explained that each 2nd grade classroom has a set of eggs to hatch baby chicks. “We are also very excited to work with Simply Natural Creamery with our 4H Down East Dairy Project.” 

As we shifted gears and talked about what she saw as Greene County’s greatest challenge, the focus was on people. “We need to find a way to recruit and keep people in Greene County,” Anderson said. “We end up being a really effective training ground but often lose some of the most talented folks to bigger areas. Greene County is a special place and very different pace of life and for some that is not high on their interest.”

Anderson went on to say that she loves the pace of life and that we need to find ways to market the benefit of the pace of life and its many exciting possibilities. 

Anderson’s one line or words of wisdom for all of us is “Greene County is a great place to be! Come Give us a try.” 

The Extension office is next the Farmers Market off of Kingold Blvd just past the Sports Complex in the small building with a red roof. The next time you’re over that way, stop in and say hi and tell them Neuse News sent you!