Interim Leadership in Cooperative Extension
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Alex Kissinger
Hillsborough
Abstract
Interim leadership in Cooperative Extension services across the country has become a more common practice due to many reasons including navigating retirements, restructuring, and various administrative demands. As part of the National Association for County Agricultural Agents’ Leadership Academy, Alex Kissinger, Laura Edwards, and Leeoria Willis conducted an exploratory project to better understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities associated with serving in interim leadership roles across Extension nationwide. This project aimed to capture the perspectives of current and former interim directors and administrators, recognizing that these individuals often assume significant responsibility during periods of organizational transition yet receive limited preparation or guidance for the role. Through a series of structured interviews, participants were invited to reflect their pathways into interim leadership, the expectations placed upon them, and the strategies they employed to maintain community and security within their organizations. These interviews revealed several themes. Adaptive leadership, the ability to shift perspectives, maintaining continuity, and building trust emerged as central themes throughout the interviews. Together, these elements highlight how interim leaders navigate uncertainty, support their teams, and sustain organizational momentum during periods of transition. Participants also identified meaningful opportunities inherent in interim service. Many described the role as a valuable professional development experience that expanded their leadership capacity, deepened their understanding of organizational systems, and strengthened their networks within Cooperative Extension. Personal reflection played a significant role in shaping how leaders approached the interim period, influencing their confidence, adaptability, and long-term career aspirations. The insights gathered through this project contribute to a growing understanding of interim leadership as a distinct and influential component of Cooperative Extension administration. By sharing the lived experiences of those who have navigated these temporary yet consequential roles, the project offers practical guidance for future interim leaders and the organizations and staff that rely on them. These findings underscore the importance of intentional support, clear communication, and reflective practice in fostering effective leadership during times of transition within the Cooperative Extension system.
Authors: Alex Kissinger, Leeoria Willis, Laura Edwards
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Alex Kissinger Area Livestock & Forages Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 27278
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Leeoria Willis Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45417
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Laura Edwards State Climatologist, South Dakota State University, South Dakota, 57401