UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Craig Conforti, interim associate director for client relations with Penn State Extension, was appointed as the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s Extension Fellow, effective Jan. 1.
During his two-year term, Conforti will work with the association in Harrisburg, providing expertise to commissioners in the state’s 67 counties to enhance the statewide partnership between the association and Penn State, while learning more about county and state agencies and offices.
Penn State Extension receives significant support from county governments across Pennsylvania and maintains offices statewide, providing local educational programs and services. Extension also is supported by state and federal appropriations as part of Penn State’s status as a land-grant university.
Based in Beaver County, Conforti holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Before joining Penn State Extension, he operated his family’s 50-acre farm in South Beaver Township.
Before serving as interim associate director, Conforti was the client relationship manager for a seven-county region — Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties. Conforti serves as a liaison between Penn State Extension and county partners, with a focus on building long-term relationships and expanding Extension’s reach.
“I am excited to appoint Craig as the newest CCAP Fellow,” said Jeffrey Hyde, director of Penn State Extension and associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “Craig knows Extension’s county-based programs and politics very well, making him well-suited for this important liaison position. I expect that the relationship between Penn State Extension and CCAP will continue to grow and thrive as a result of his efforts over the next two years.”
Conforti said, “I hope to serve as a connector between our educators, who are doing amazing work, and the needs of CCAP, bringing the resources of Penn State Extension to bear on issues identified as priorities by the association.” He added that he looks forward to advancing a strategic relationship with CCAP to support Extension’s ability to carry out its land-grant mission.
As part of the Extension client relations team, Conforti works to support and expand client relationships, promote organizational awareness, and help ensure the delivery of science-based education statewide. The fellowship allows him to build on that work by strengthening ties between Penn State Extension and CCAP.
Conforti has been active in his community by serving as president of Crop and Kettle, a Beaver County-based nonprofit, and as a director on the Beaver-Lawrence Farm Bureau board. His experience also includes work with local and state government.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Craig’s expertise and background join us in this fellowship role,” CCAP Executive Director Kyle Kopko said. “Counties continue to have a great relationship with Penn State Extension, and we are excited to utilize Craig’s efforts to support county priorities and our residents.”
Conforti said he values the professional development opportunities the fellowship provides and looks forward to building on the work of previous CCAP Extension Fellows.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to continue strengthening the relationship between Penn State Extension and CCAP,” he said. “That partnership is critical to Extension’s success, and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”