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DALLAS, Ore. - Derek Godwin will take over as staff chair of the Oregon State University Extension Polk County office in Dallas July 1.

Godwin also will continue his duties as staff chair for Marion County, a position he has held since 2005, and Polk and Marion counties will continue to share faculty and programming.

"I'm excited about the positive outcome of the May ballot measure that created a county tax service district in Polk County," Godwin said. "Secure funding allows OSU Extension Service in Polk County to continue to serve the area, and it provides a foundation on which to build."

Godwin said Polk County will continue to grow its family and community health programs, as well as its 4-H, Master Gardener and agriculture programs, which "have served the public for almost 100 years."  

"County funding and relationships at the local level are crucial for our success," he said.

Godwin replaces Jim Hermes, who will become the head student adviser for the OSU animal sciences department and continue his duties as Extension poultry specialist.

"We appreciate Jim's service in Polk County the past five-and-a-half years," said Keith Diem, regional director for the OSU Extension Service. "This is an exciting time for OSU Extension in Polk County. The positive outcome of the ballot measure confirmed voters' recognition of the value of quality educational programs Extension has earned a reputation for providing."

In addition to his administrative duties, Godwin will continue his work with Extension watershed education.