Mark Mains, Ph.D.

Experience

• 

  Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department

  Aug 1997 - May 1998

  Technology Associate

  General computer support and website development.

• 

  University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

  May 1998 - now

  Mark Mains joins CEDIK as the director of workforce and engagement initiatives. In this role, Mains will provide administrative leadership for UK Cooperative Extension Service workforce initiatives — building the capacity of the Extension system to be leaders in local, regional and state employment skill building, career readiness and support opportunities. Director of Workforce & Engagement Initiatives for the University of Kentucky’s, Martin-Gatton, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Cooperative Extension Service Provide visionary programmatic leadership for the Kentucky 4-H program. This includes programmatic oversight of over 140 county staff, direct supervision of 8 specialist staff, and oversight of the Kentucky 4-H camping program and camps (4 locations). Coordinate educational conferences and training for youth and adults centered on the topics of leadership, citizenship, cultural competency and teamwork. Work with youth, volunteers and staff to implement 4-H Youth Development programming at the county and local level. Develop county areas of focus with input from stakeholder groups and balance this against state driven initiatives.

  • Extension Director of Workforce and Engagement Initiatives

    Sept 2024 - now

  • Extension Director of Workforce and Engagement Initiatives

    Jan 2022 - Sept 2024

  • Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development

    Sept 2016 - Jan 2022

  • Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development

    Jun 2002 - Aug 2016

  • 4-H Youth Development Agent

    May 1998 - Jun 2002
• 

  Extension Foundation

  Sept 2023 - now

  National Content and Credentialing team lead for the grant funded AgriProspects project supporting adult workforce development in agriculture. Responsibilities include team coordination, assessment and capture of current curricula, developing a set of shared standards and definitions for credentialing, and providing assistance and clarification within the Extension System. Also serve as content coordinator for LGU's and Extension in the Southern Region. Provide support for the grant funded AgriProspects project to support adult workforce development in agriculture.

  • AgriProspects Content and Credentialing Lead (National)

    Aug 2024 - now

  • AgriProspects Adult Workforce Development Content Coordinator (Southern Region)

    Sept 2023 - Aug 2024