Administration

Rick Avery, Ph.D.

Dr. Rick Avery

Director

Rick Avery, Ph.D., is the director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. As director of the largest Extension agency in the nation, Avery oversees agency programming in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Community Health, 4-H and Youth Development, and Community Economic Development.

Avery has an extensive background in both government relations and in government. Avery’s Capitol Hill experience includes serving as an assistant for U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen and U.S. Rep. Greg Laughlin. Most recently he served as deputy director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. Avery’s career in government also includes serving as county relations officer for the Texas Association of Counties, where he worked with elected and appointed county officials in all 254 Texas counties, providing technical support, continuing education and resource guidance to government operations.

At Texas A&M AgriLife, Avery previously served as AgriLife Extension’s V.G. Young Institute director and Extension specialist, to provide continuing education to approximately 1,500 county officials annually through Institute schools.

While at V.G. Young, Avery spearheaded curriculum development for the popular Commissioners Court Leadership Academy, a two-year program that enhances the leadership skills of participating court members through advanced training and travel to explore innovations in local, state and federal government.

He also led development of the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum, a certification between AgriLife Extension, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, and the Texas Association of Counties.

Avery was born in Memphis, Texas, in Hall County, and was raised in Needville, in Fort Bend County, where he was active in 4-H, FFA and athletics. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Austin College and a master’s degree in political science and doctoral degree in higher education administration from Texas A&M University.

Rosemary Schoenfeld serves as the assistant to the Director.

Dr. Angela Burkham

Executive Associate Director

Dr. Angela Burkham is executive associate director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and oversees operations, administrative, budget and human resources. Burkham earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Texas Tech University, master’s degree in agriculture education from Texas Tech, and a doctorate of education in agriculture education and communications from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Jeff Ripley

Associate Director for County Operations

Dr. Jeff Ripley is associate director for county operations, which includes oversight of county agents, programming and fiscal operations. Ripley earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Tarleton State University, master’s degree in agricultural education from Texas State University and a doctorate in agricultural education from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Dan Hale

Associate Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Dr. Dan Hale is associate director for agriculture and natural resources. Hale oversees programming for agriculture and natural resources, also working closely with commodity groups across Texas. Hale earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University and a doctorate in food, nutrition and institutional sciences at Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Courtney Dodd

Associate Director for Health, Families and Youth Programs

Dr. Courtney Dodd is associate director for Health, Families and Youth programs. She oversees statewide programs in health and nutrition as well as youth. Dodd earned a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Southwest Texas State University, a master’s degree in health education and a doctorate in philosophy all from Texas A&M University.

Donna Alexander

Chief Financial Officer

Donna Alexander is chief financial officer with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She oversees all financial operations of the agency related to budget, annual financial reporting and fiscal management. Alexander earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University.