The State Extension Advisory Council is the stakeholder group that advises UT Extension and the Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program. Members of the council are local leaders who are interested in strengthening Extension and targeting Extension programs to new and emerging issues. This input is instrumental in planning and conducting statewide Extension initiatives.
The purpose of the Tennessee Extension Advisory Council is to serve the Tennessee Extension System in the following roles:
- Advise and counsel Extension administration regarding program direction and strategies.
- Review, react to, and develop specific proposals regarding Extension programs and organization.
- Promote Extension with current and potential clientele.
- Assist in educating key decision makers and support groups about Extension.
- Assist, when appropriate, in locating resources (human, financial, curriculum, and other resources) for Extension.
Advisory Council Members
View the 2025 Tennessee Extension Advisory Council PDF
Ms. Destiny Brown
County: Meigs
Representing: Eastern Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT 4-H
Destiny Brown currently serves as a Senior Management Consultant for the State of Tennessee’s office of Customer Focused Government. In this role, she continues to live out the 4-H motto: “To make the best better.” As an active member of 4-H herself, Destiny found her passion for 4-H at a young age and credits her successes to the skills she learned during her time. Before transitioning into state government, Destiny was a TSU 4-H Agent in Meigs County, where she also received her Master of Science in Agricultural Leadership Education and Communication from the University of Tennessee. In her 4-H agent role, Destiny was able to work with students in many capacities, such as STEM Education, Life Skills, Leadership Development, and Civic Engagement, to name a few. As a master’s candidate, she worked on the curriculum in areas such as Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Electric, and Dairy. Destiny’s desire to serve others spreads into multiple local, state, and national industries, and she is excited to serve on the UT Extension Advisory Council.
Ms. Patricia Bieder
County: Coffee
Representing: Central Region
Term: 2026 – 2028
Area: UT FCS
Patricia lived in Tennessee and worked at Arnold Air Force Base from 1995 – 2010 as a civilian attorney doing primarily environmental and real estate law. During that time, she was involved with numerous issues concerning the natural environment of a 40,000 acre reservation with a housing and recreation area, a man-made lake, an industrial facility, and many natural resources and wildlife areas. Patricia worked with several state agencies during her tenure to include TWRA, TDEC, and the SHPO. She was involved with the Arnold Community Council and creating and preserving their administrative record. She left in 2010 to take an environmental attorney position with the US Navy in Naples Italy and returned to Tennessee upon her retirement from federal civil service in 2017. Patricia has lived in Manchester since that time.
While she is originally from South Dakota, Patricia left to become a USAF Judge Advocate General when she graduated from Law School. After 5 years of active duty, she then became a civilian employee for the USAF and was stationed at the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence in Atlanta, GA then Headquarters PACAF in Hawaii. She also remained in the USAF Reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of service. Patricia owns a home in Manchester and both of her children were born here. She and her children consider Tennessee home. Her daughter lives in Manchester as well and her son is on active duty in the US Space Force.
Mr. Mark Cancia
County: Madison
Representing: Western Region
Term: 2026-2028
Area: TSU 4-H
Mark Cancia is an experienced nonprofit professional with 10+ years in community engagement, fundraising, and program management. He holds an Interdisciplinary degree in Social Science from Florida State University, a degree in Practical Ministry from the Evangeline Booth College. In previous roles at United Way of West Tennessee and the Salvation Army, he has proven his ability to cultivate relationships, lead human centric initiatives, and secure funding for education, mentorship, and social service programs. Recently Mark became a champion trainer at 9 round kickboxing studio where he supports individuals on their fitness journey and encourages them to work hard and keep showing up for themselves. He is also the 2025-2026 President Elect for the Old Hickory Rotary Club in Jackson, Tennessee.
Mr. Brian Carroll
County: Weakley
Representing: Western Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT FCS
Brian grew up in Pinckneyville, IL, and got his BS and MS in Dietetics from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. While there he worked in a research lab in the College of Agriculture for current UT Martin CAAS Dean Todd Winters. Ironically, it was he who recruited Brian to apply to UTM shortly after he arrived here from SIU 11 years ago, 2013.
He has worked as a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist in hospitals, long term care, weight loss clinics and dialysis clinics.
He is currently the Dietetic Internship Director at the University of Tennessee at Martin, serving in that capacity for 10 years. He also teaches Introduction to Nutrition, Lifespan Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, Food Science and Sports Nutrition.
Brian served as President of the Tennessee Academy of Nutritionists and Dietitians (TAND) in 2019-2020 and has continued to serve on their Board of Directors in various capacities.
He was voted Nashville and Tennessee TAND Dietetic Educator of the Year (2016); served on the TAND Strategic Planning Committee and other positions. He is currently President Elect of the Western TN Academy of Nutritionists and Dietitians and served on the state Obesity Task Force in Nashville in 2021-2022, testifying at their hearing in 2022 in Nashville. In August of 2023 he was appointed to the Board of Dietitians/Nutritionists Examiners by Governor Lee.
Ms. Jennifer Chandler
County: Cheatham
Representing: Central Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT 4-H
Jennifer Chandler is an enthusiastic supporter of all things 4-H. With over 15 years of experience as an extension volunteer, Mrs. Chandler firmly believes in joyfully serving where needed. Whether helping direct a meeting for the county’s 4-H Homeschool Club or serving as a chaperone for Congress, Jennifer loves helping youth find their home in 4-H. When she’s not volunteering, Mrs. Chandler and her husband Chip manage two small businesses and the family farm where they live with 8 of their 11 children. They are expecting their 1st grandchild in May.
Mr. Jalin Curry
County: Madison
Representing: Western Region
Term: 2026-2028
Area: TSU 4-H
Jalin Curry is a proud husband of four years and father to two daughters—one three years old and another expected in July. He currently serves as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Tennessee and is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he held the rank of Staff Sergeant. Jalin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Colorado Technical University in 2021 and is on track to complete his Master’s degree this July.
A lifelong advocate for youth development, Jalin’s roots in 4-H run deep. As an active member from elementary school through his teenage years, 4-H played a vital role in shaping his character, keeping him grounded, and providing him with a strong sense of community. From Junior Camp to State Roundup and National Congress, he participated in every opportunity the program had to offer. Today, he continues to give back by volunteering whenever possible, committed to ensuring that today’s youth experience the same mentorship, connection, and growth that helped mold his path. Jalin is—and always will be—a 4-Her at heart.
Ms. Rachael Ellis
County: Knox
Representing: Eastern Region
Term: 2026-2028
Area: UT FCS
A graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, Rachael holds a degree in Communications with a minor in Public Relations. Rachael has been at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee for over 10 years.
As the Chief Operating Officer, Rachael leads the strategy and vision of your food banks development team to ensure annual fundraising, marketing and communications objectives meet the organizations financial, programmatic, and long-term vision. She is also responsible for overseeing the daily operations at Second Harvest, ensuring efficient and effective processes in food distribution and logistics. She works closely with your food banks leadership to develop and execute comprehensive plans that are aligned with the organizations operational and strategic direction in addition to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders.
Mr. Michael Gay
County: Haywood
Representing: Western Region
Term: 2026-2028
Area: UT ANR
Mike is currently employed as part of the management team with the Tibbs Gin Company, Inc. and Cotton Unlimited, LLC located near Brownsville Tennessee. Since 2000, Mike has been involved in all aspects of cotton production, ginning, and cottonseed warehousing.
Formerly, Mike was employed for 25 years at MLGW in Memphis, Tennessee, serving in the capacities of Gas Operations Manager, Gas Systems Design Engineer, and Gas Systems Planning Engineer. He also has 5 years of experience with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in the position of Hazardous Waste Inspector.
Mike received a B.S.E.E. degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1972, and an M.B.A. degree from Memphis State University in 1983.
Ms. Lisa Harville
County: Smith
Representing: Central Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT FCS
Dr. Lisa Kemp Harville is a pharmacist and co-owner of Smith County Drug Center in Carthage, TN. She is wife to Jason and mother to Grace (22) and Gabe (16). Lisa lives on her family’s Black Angus cattle farm in Pleasant Shade, TN. Her background is rich in agriculture, having worked in her younger years with her family in tobacco and dairy cattle. She is a former member of the Smith County Agricultural Committee where she served as Secretary. Lisa was a 4-H All Star herself and now volunteers with Smith County 4-H. Lisa is a member of the Smith County 4-H Advisory Committee, and she also serves as a Central Region representative on the 4-H VOLS State Committee. Lisa is a member of the Night Owls FCE club in Smith County where she serves as Vice President of the club. She is also the Smith County FCE County Council President. Lisa is a true advocate of Extension with a family legacy reaching back to 1919 when her great-grandmother, Virginia Milam Smith, served as the first Home Demonstration Agent in Macon County, TN. Lisa and Jason’s daughter, Grace, is currently a 4-H Extension Agent in Wilson County and their son, Gabe, serves on the Tennessee 4-H State Council as a Junior Representative.
Ms. Melanie Murby
County: McNairy
Representing: Western Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT 4-H
Ms. Karen Smith
County: Jefferson
Representing: Eastern Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT 4-H
Karen Smith has worked as a music teacher and band director in Jefferson County Schools for over 26 years. She is married to Jeffrey Smith and has three children, Callie (18), Ella (15) and Ainsley (14). All three are very active 4-Hers. She is a life-long resident of Jefferson County growing up on a cow calf operation. Karen earned her bachelor of science degree in Music Education and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Carson-Newman University. She later earned an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.
Karen is involved in 4-H on the county, regional, state and national level. She is a the leader for the advanced sewing project group in Jefferson County and currently sits on the 4-H VOLS state committee. She enjoys presenting clothing and textiles workshops at Fashion and Design Conference, TN Volunteer Jam and the Volunteer Conference of the Southern States at Rock Eagle. In 2023 she attended National 4-H Congress as part of the TN delegation. She received the Governor’s Volunteer Star Award in 2021, the Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award and the Charline Hamilton Powell Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2023
In Karen’s own 4-H years she enjoyed attending TN 4-H Roundup and Congress. She competed in history bowl and state fashion revue. One of her favorite 4-H memories is being June Dairy Month Chairman in 1990 and 1991. Today in her free time, Karen enjoys sewing, machine embroidery, quilting, gardening and spinning.
Ms. Margaret Snyder
County: Jefferson
Representing: Eastern Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: TSU ANR
Mr. Brian Stewart
County: Bradley
Representing: Eastern Region
Term: 2024-2026
Area: UT FCS
Brian Stewart is the Director of Workforce Development with City Fields, a local nonprofit in Cleveland, Tennessee that cultivates overlooked neighborhoods and people. He believes through partnerships and collaboration communities can be transformed and lives can be changed holistically.
Brian has spent the past 23 years working in the nonprofit field. Over the past 8 years, he has developed a workforce development program by creating partnerships with multiple nonprofit organizations, businesses, and state and local governments. The mission of the program is to provide a pathway to financial stability for the most overlooked people in the community by offering life skills and job readiness training. City Fields’ Workforce Development program has grown from offering one career track and serving approximately 50 people per year, to a program that now offers four career tracks and serves approximately 150-200 people per year. He has built a Workforce Development Advisory Board made up of community, business, government, and church leaders who have helped guide and build the program to where it is today.
Brian holds a degree in Economics and Business from Emory & Henry College and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Social Justice.
When Brian is not working with local partners to cultivate overlooked people, he can be found on the local hiking trails, reading, or playing with his three dogs.
Ex-Officio Members
Dr. Thomas W. Broyles
State Program Leader
TSU Extension
Jamie Harris
Interim Director
UT Extension
Dr. Rita Fleming
Interim State Program Leader
TSU Extension
Dr. Jason de Koff
State Program Leader
TSU Extension
Ms. Kelli Roberson
Eastern Region Director
UT Extension
Dr. Chandra Reddy
Dean & Director of Research
TSU Extension
Dr. Justin Rhinehart
Interim Dean/Assistant Dean
UT Extension
Dr. Janet Fox
Assistant Dean
UT Extension
Dr. Latif Lighari
Associate Dean of Extension
TSU Extension