Rachel R. Williams
Geneva
Summary
Extension professional with nearly two decades of experience providing association-level leadership, program integration, and community engagement within Cornell Cooperative Extension. Recognized for developing and advancing a forward-thinking vision for Extension programming, strengthening stakeholder confidence, and expanding organizational impact through collaboration, innovation, and responsible stewardship of funds. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, community partners, funders, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration, and faculty. Prepared to serve as Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County, providing accountable, inclusive, and mission-driven leadership.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
4-H Youth Development Issue Leader / Resource Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County
09.2006 - Current
- Provide leadership in 4-H Youth Development in partnership with content area programs, exercising professional judgment in program direction, prioritization, and resource utilization.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Finance Manager, program staff and volunteers, NYS 4-H Program staff, and Extension Administration to ensure organizational effectiveness, accountability, and alignment with Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development priorities.
- Represent CCE Seneca County in county, regional, and statewide leadership roles, strengthening relationships with stake-holders.
- Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive organizational climate, integrating equity practices.
- Support overall Association operations, including budgeting, grant compliance, reporting, and risk management.
- Supervise and mentor staff, community educators, teen assistants, and 60+ adult volunteers, fostering high performance, professional growth, and shared accountability.
- Maintain and oversee program enrollment, evaluation, and impact reporting systems.
- Demonstrate a team-based, hands-on leadership approach.
- Provide leadership for educational program development and implementation across Healthy Living, STEM, Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems, Teen Leadership, After-School, School Enrichment, and Community Education.
- Establish program priorities based on community needs assessment, data, stakeholder input, and system-wide Extension goals.
- Ensure Extension programming remains relevant and responsive to emerging community needs.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with school districts, civic organizations, and community partners.
- Serve as a trusted representative of Cornell Cooperative Extension within the community and across the broader Extension system.
- Demonstrate grant leadership through program design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation.
- Lead programming reaching 2,500+ youth annually.
- Advanced STEM, Healthy Living, sustainability, and peer leadership initiatives recognized at State Fair, STARR, and Empire Farm Days.
- Contributed to statewide and national Extension initiatives, campaigns, and professional learning.
Speech Therapist and Assistive Technology Provider
Wayne ARC, Roosevelt Children's Center
Newark
06.1998 - 08.2006
- Developed individualized treatment plans addressing specific speech and language goals.
- Utilized various therapeutic techniques to enhance children's communication skills effectively.
- Evaluated treatment goals and student progress on continuous basis.
- Collaborated with parents and educators to support children's speech development strategies.
- Trained staff on speech therapy practices and effective intervention strategies.
- Documented progress notes, and maintained accurate client records.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate across learning environments.
- Implemented augmentative and alternative communication systems for nonverbal individuals.
- Provided training and technical assistance to staff members working with AAC users.
Education
Master of Education -
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX01-1997
Bachelor of Science - Speech Language Pathology
Nazareth College
Rochester, NY05-1995
Skills
- Program development
- Grant management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community outreach
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Project management
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Training facilitation
- Recruitment and hiring
- Team building
- Decision-making
- Risk management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Staff development
Leadership Philosophy
Collaborative, accountable, people-centered and mission-driven leadership grounded in humility, public service, inclusion, fiscal responsibility, and a belief that Cornell Cooperative Extension’s relevance is strongest when it meets people where they are and partners across disciplines.
Leadership Governance Experience
- Past President, NYSACCE4-HE
- President, NYSACCE4-HE
- Vice President, NYSACCE4-HE
- Finger Lakes District Board Representative
- Finger Lakes District Public Presentation Coordinator
- NYS Fair Produced in NYS Coordinator
- Capital Days Committee
- Professional Development Committee
- Mentoring Committee
- Co-Chair, Professional Development Committee
- STARR Planning Committee Member
- Co-Coordinator, STARR Planning Committee
- Co-Creator and Facilitator of online Mindfulness course
- Positive Youth Development Co-Facilitator
- Cornell Cooperative Extension Organizational Sustainability Committee
Accomplishments
NYSACCE4-HE Special Service Award
Affiliations
Volunteer YMCA Youth Soccer Coach
Timeline
4-H Youth Development Issue Leader / Resource Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County
09.2006 - Current
Speech Therapist and Assistive Technology Provider
Wayne ARC, Roosevelt Children's Center
06.1998 - 08.2006
Master of Education -
Abilene Christian University
Bachelor of Science - Speech Language Pathology
Nazareth College