Guilford County is pleased to announce Natalie Owens will serve as the new director of the NC Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center, effective Friday, Aug. 1.
With over 29 years of experience in community outreach and nutrition education programming, Owens brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Her background includes extensive experience in grant compliance, building state-level partnerships, and providing training for program assistants. Most recently, she served as a State Specialist II and TNCEP/SNAP-Ed Coordinator (Tennessee Nutrition and Consumer Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) at the University of Tennessee Extension, where she contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving nutrition education and community health.
“Natalie’s extensive background in nutrition education and community engagement makes her an excellent fit as director for Cooperative Extension,” said Assistant County Manager for Strong Community Erris Dunston. “Her experience will be invaluable in supporting and enhancing the county’s food security work and all the various programs the NC Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center offers.”
Owens holds a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies from Oakwood University and a master's degree in family and consumer sciences from the University of Tennessee. She began her career in 1995 with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, where she oversaw the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program across multiple counties in both north and south Alabama.
“I am excited to return to my home state of North Carolina, and I am honored to be joining the NC Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center. I look forward to building upon the foundation of excellent work already being done in this community,” said Owens. “I am committed to helping Guilford County residents access valuable resources, trainings, and programs in agriculture, health, nutrition, and youth development.
A department of Guilford County, the NC Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center is a partnership between NC State University and N.C. A&T State University. To learn more about the NC Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center, visit guilford.ces.ncsu.edu and the Guilford County Food Security Hub webpage.