Coite leaving Wayne Extension to take over Sampson office
By Steve Herring
Published in News on April 5, 2013 1:46 PM
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Eileen Coite
Eileen Coite is stepping down after 13 years as Wayne County Cooperative Extension livestock agent to become the first female Cooperative Extension director in neighboring Sampson County. Her hiring was announced this past week during a meeting of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners.
She will assume the Sampson County director's role effective May 1.
"She has done a lot and is a very dedicated employee," said Wayne County Extension Director Kevin Johnson. "Wayne County is really sad to see her go, but it is a good opportunity for her. It is a tremendous loss for us, but a tremendous opportunity for her.
"She will be a great asset for them and it is a great opportunity for her career. It will be tough to fill that role. Hopefully we will be able to fill that position."
However, Johnson said he did not know when the job would be advertised. Johnson said that when he had talked to his superiors about it they brought up the federal sequester as well as looming state cuts in the North Carolina's university system.
But he remains hopeful the office can be filled. Until it is, Johnson said that he would handle most of the responsibilities. When it comes to more technical issues, he said he would have to call neighboring counties or the state office.
The county is fortunate in that Ms. Coite has a "great support staff," including administrative assistant Kim Davis, Johnson said.
In Wayne County Ms. Coite worked extensively with the 4H program and youth development. She also worked with forage crop production, livestock management and production, and animal waste management.
"You name it with animals and she does it," Johnson said. "She handled educational programs for youths. She has a real passion for working with youths. She has worked very closely with the Wayne County Livestock Development Association and fair. I know they will really miss her, too."
Ms. Coite, who grew up in the Wilmington area, received her bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science from North Carolina State University. Also, she is a graduate of the N.C. State University College of Agriculture and Life Science Agricultural Leadership Development Program.
Ms. Coite, who raises horses on her Seven Springs area farm, is a member the N.C. Horse Council and N.C. Quarter Horse Association. She is also a member of the N.C. Cattlemen's Association, the N.C. Pork Council and the N.C. Forage and Grassland Council.