Manatee County Government
Marina D’Abreau named Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service Manager
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 23, 2011) – Marina D’Abreau, a longtime Florida Extension Service Agent, has been hired as Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service Manager.
- Zoom
- Marina D’Abreau
For the past 10 years she worked at the Hillsborough County Extension Office, where she was a Florida Yards and Neighborhoods coordinator and a horticulture agent. During her time in Hillsborough, she achieved a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. D’Abreau attended the University of Florida where she achieved a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation and a master’s degree of education in environmental education.
D’Abreau takes over a staff of 23, including extension agents who are subject matter educators, program assistants and support staff, and the Soil and Water Conservation District. The Agriculture and Extension Service provides research-based educational programs, materials, and services to the community and provides leadership in the areas of youth development, family and consumer sciences, community and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, and nutrition and wellness..
“I see this job as a great opportunity,” D’Abreau said. “It presents a challenge for me, especially where I can put my terminal degree to work. I jumped at the chance to work for Manatee County which has a unique set of challenges and opportunities.”
The Agriculture and Extension Service is a partnership involving the United States Department of Agriculture, the University of Florida as Florida's land-grant university, and Manatee County Government. It falls under auspices of Community Services Department Director Brenda Rogers, who led the Extension Service for 10 years through 2010.
"Marina brings a wealth of knowledge, a great enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the department,” Rogers said. “At the same time she has an appreciation for the agricultural heritage and the deeply rooted impact it has for our local economy. Under her leadership, I expect that the local Extension program will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of residents through educational programs and services, but in a bigger, better way."
For more information, or to speak to D’Abreau, call (941) 722-4524 ext. 230 or visit the Agriculture and Extension Service online.