UMass Extension Board of Public Overseers

The UMass Extension Board of Public Overseers was created in 1997 to give stakeholders in UMass Extension areas a formal advisory role. The Board, a majority of whose members are appointed by the Governor, advises the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Extension staff on goals, budget, and program. 

Previous Meeting Agendas & Notes

Please note that meeting notes are posted after they have been reviewed and approved by a quorum of the Board. This can sometimes result in delayed posting.

Review meeting agendas & notes

Tuesday, August 11th 2026; 10am to 12pm

Zoom Virtual Meeting

https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/97276266269

10:00AM

Welcome and brief introductions (5 minutes)

10:05AM

Director Update (15 Minutes)

10:20AM

CAFE Leadership Team Round-Robin Updates (apx. 35 minutes)

11:00AM

Advocacy Subcommittee: Planning for 2027 Advocacy Activities (30 minutes)  

11:30AM

Set Dates for Upcoming Board Meetings (25 minutes)

11:55AM

Public Comments (5 Minutes)

 

12:00PM

Adjourn


  

 

Responsibilities & Membership

The appointed members of the board serve for terms of five years, except for those appointed to fill a vacancy for unexpired term. The board holds its annual meeting in January and meets at least three other times during the year. The University of Massachusetts Extension director attends all meetings of the board and serves as secretary but has no vote in its deliberation. Eight members of the board constitute a quorum.

Members are nominated as follows:

  • Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation – 4 members
  • Massachusetts Arborists Association – 2 members
  • Massachusetts Audubon Society – 1 member
  • Massachusetts Forest Alliance, successor organization to the Massachusetts Forestry Association – 1 member
  • Massachusetts 4-H Foundation – 1 member
  • Massachusetts State 4-H Council – 1 member
  • Massachusetts Nutrition Board – 1 member
  • Massachusetts Commissioner of Agricultural Resources
  • University of Massachusetts President’s Office
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor’s Office
  • UMass Extension Director’s Office (ex-officio)

In creating the board, the General Court gave it the power to adopt a policy for the conduct of business, including constitution of board membership. Policies may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds vote of its members. In December 2005, the board adopted bylaws. Those bylaws create an Advisory Board of between five and fifteen members, including representatives of the Center for Agriculture, the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the Massachusetts Senate.

The bylaws also created standing committees on Membership and Bylaws,
Planning and Evaluation, and Budget and Policy Advocacy.

Members

As of July 2025

  • Karen Heymann (Chair)
    Granby, Massachusetts
    Representing Mass. Audubon
  • Lynne McLandsborough (ex-officio)
    Amherst, Massachusetts
    Representing the UMass Extension Director's Office
  • Rich Bonanno
    Representing the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
  • Kate Lindroos Conlin 
    Buckland, MA
    Representing the Massachusetts Forest Alliance
  • Natalie Blais
    Amherst, Massachusetts
    Representing the Chancellor’s Office, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Vacant
    Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
    Representing the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
  • Michael E. Lueders
    Medfield, Massachusetts
    Representing the Massachusetts Arborists Association
  • Darrin Mendes
    Dartmouth, Massachusetts
    Representing the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
  • Kenneth Nicewicz
    Bolton, Massachusetts
    Representing the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
  • Vacant (1 seat)
    Representing the Massachusetts Nutrition Board
  • Ashley Randle
    Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
  • Mateo Rull Garza
    Boston, Massachusetts
    Representing the Office of the President, University of Massachusetts
  • Theodore H.N. Wales, Jr.
    Needham, Massachusetts
    Representing the Massachusetts Arborists Association
  • Carey Leckie (1 seat) 
    Southwick, Massachusetts
    Representing the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation

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