Ruemenapp to Coordinate New MSU Extension District

posted on April 28, 2010 9:23am

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  517-432-1555, ext. 151

EAST LANSING, Mich.—Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is pleased to announce that Marie Ruemenapp has been appointed as the district coordinator for District 11 which covers Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Ruemenapp brings 22 years of experience to this position and will officially begin her district coordinator position on July 1, 2010.
             
  “District coordinators are critical to MSUE’s ability to move Michigan forward.  Working with local governments, nonprofits, school systems and neighborhood groups, MSUE is focused on providing the knowledge resources necessary to identify community challenges and propose and implement successful solutions,”  commented Michelle Rodgers, associate director of MSUE. “These leaders will represent Extension in communities across the state and serve the role of linking Michigan State University’s vast research and teaching resources to Michigan communities.”
             
  Creating the thirteen districts was part of Extension’s redesign to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. Five regional director positions and 82 county Extension director positions were eliminated in the redesign and replaced with the redefined district coordinator role. Some staff members are being reassigned as education specialists increasing Extension’s capacity to get relevant and essential information critical to improving our communities and assisting individuals out to Michigan residents.
             
  “MSUE can play a vital role in helping to turn Michigan’s economy around and improving the lives of the residents of Michigan.    Through the redesign of MSUE I believe the Detroit area can become a model to demonstrate how Extension systems across the country can effectively work to address the needs of people living in urban centers.”  Ruemenapp said,  “I’m excited to have the opportunity to provide leadership to the MSU Extension team working in District 11 and to work on improving MSUE’s relevancy to people living in Michigan’s largest urban center. “
             
  Ruemenapp began her career in St. Clair County as a 4-H youth agent and acting county director.  She accumulated 10 years experience in the role of county director before becoming a regional director in East Central and Southeast Michigan.  The 13 southeast Michigan counties have been the focus of her administrative oversight and leadership in her latest Extension venture/task/position.  Ruemenapp is a MSU graduate, having received her bachelor’s degree in agriculture and natural resources communications and master’s in community services.  
             
  Ruemenapp will join other district coordinators in training and program planning during the transition period leading up to July 1.
  #ml#

  Photo available upon request.