Mr. Kyle Smith, a veteran of nearly 36 years with the Texas A&M System, was named executive associate director of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in August 2008 by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

He has served as the agency’s associate director for county programs since 1993 and succeeds Dr. Margaret Hale, who retired at the end of August, 2008.

As executive associate director, Mr. Smith serves as chief operating officer and AgriLife Extension’s second-in-command under Dr. Edward G. Smith, director. He is responsible for developing and coordinating staffing, supervisory, and budgetary recommendations for the entire agency.

Mr. Smith also directly oversees operational management of several support units and special programs, including communications, information technology, and program development.

He joined AgriLife Extension in 1972 and served for 15 years as an agent for agriculture in Gaines, Crosby, and Lubbock counties. He was then promoted to a district supervisor position, a post he held for five years. In 1993, he was appointed the agency’s associate director for county programs, which carried the responsibility of overseeing the staff of 250 county offices across Texas.

Mr. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and master’s degree in agricultural education from Texas Tech University.