About Us

Susan Kelly

Susan Adelmann Kelly has been serving as Sumter County Extension Director since April 2005.  Susan’s credentials include a BS in Horticulture with a minor in Agricultural Industries from The Ohio State University and a Master’s in Agriculture from University of Florida in Agricultural Education and Communication. Prior to joining extension Susan had a career in education for 18 years, including teaching high school Agriscience, and supervised Agriscience and Family and Consumer Sciences programs for Orange County Public Schools. Susan grew up in rural southeastern Ohio where she was active in the local 4-H. Susan has lived in central Florida for the past 21 years with her husband and two children.

Russ Giesy - Dairy

Russ Giesy has worked with UF/IFAS for almost 19 years. Russ received his BS in Animal Science from Cornell University and his MS in Dairy Science Management from the University of Florida. Russ had been married to Joan Ann Hammond Giesy for 36 years. Together they have three children and three grandchildren. Russ is a very proud grandparent.

Martha Maddox - Family & Consumer Sciences

Martha Maddox's background includes a B.S. in Agricultural Education and a  M.S. in Home Economic. Martha has worked with UF/IFAS for 8 years and and as a County Extension Agent in Arkansas for 13 years.

Jim Davis - Florida Yards & Neighborhoods

Jim Davis is a native of Central Florida and has been serving as the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Extension Agent since May of 2006. Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Florida majoring in Environmental Horticulture and minoring in Entomology and Nematology. Jim interned at Universal Studios Orlando in the Landscaping division and was also the Lead Gardener for The Breakers Golf and Hotel Resort in Palm Beach.

Brooke Burn - Horticulture

Brooke Burn has been serving as the Urban Horticulture Agent for Sumter County since October 2006.  Brooke received her Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from Tennessee Technological University.  Upon graduation, she came to Central Florida to work for The Land Pavilion at Epcot.  While working for Walt Disney World, Brooke discovered her love of agricultural education.  This experience led to her current position with Sumter County Extension.  Her current duties include developing horticulture educational programs for the community, coordinating the Sumter County Master Gardeners, and responding to residential horticulture questions.

Sarah Hensley - 4-H Youth Development

Joan Bradshaw - Natural Resources

Dr. Joan Bradshaw has been with UF IFAS for the past 15 years. Joan has a BS in Horticulture Sciences and Master's in Agriculture and Extension Education from the University of Florida as well as her Doctorate in Adult and Vocational Education from the University of South Florida.

Gary England - Commercial Horticulture

Gary England has a BS in Agronomy and a Master's in Agronomy/Weed Science from the University of Florida.

Ed Jennings - Livestock

Ed Jennings has worked with UF IFAS for over 22 years. Ed has a BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida and his Master's in Science Education from the University of South Florida.

Stacy Strickland

Dr. Stacy Strickland received his B.S. from Valdosta State University and his Doctorate of Plant Medicine from the University of Florida. He also spent 2 years as a UF Plant Pathology Graduate Assistant.

Jeanne Ethridge - Senior Secretary

I have worked at Sumter County Extension for 11 years now.  I’ve done a little bit of everything over the years.  As of late, my main job duties are county budget, grant documentation, 4H account, bank deposits, mailing lists, travel reimbursements and pesticide tests. It has been my pleasure to assist those responsible for the programs our office offers and employ my secretarial and accounting skills to future their efforts in offering the best to Sumter county.

Linda Burt - 4-H Program Assistant

My name is Linda S. Burt.  I am an Extension Program Assistant with a special emphasis on 4-H.  I am married and have two children, son Scott, 33 and a daughter Tina 27.  I have seven grandchildren, two boys and five girls.  I have been in the Extension Program off and on for 27 years.  My duties with Sumter County Extension Office are to maintain the 4-H Blue Ribbon database, conduct summer programs, assist with Agent programs, and do most of the clerical duties for the 4-H program. I have enjoyed working in Extension because of the family-like atmosphere and it allows for some expression and creativity.

Donna Lester - Horticulture Assistant

My name is Donna Lester. I enjoy the rural lifestyle here in Sumter County and take full advantage of the beautiful outdoors, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing and hiking every chance I get. I enjoy gardening and love to grow organic vegetables. I took the Master Gardener class back in 1999 and in turn, this lead to my position as a horticulture program assistant. I assist agents in various fields of horticulture programs which have been a great learning experience. I enjoy serving the many residents of Sumter County with their horticulture needs. I appreciate the chance to share in ways for which to keep our environment thriving and our gardens beautiful.

 Karen Stoneking- FNP Assistant

Family Nutrition Program Assistant (FNP) for the University Of Florida, IFAS, Sumter County Extension Service. The FNP Program is a grant funded program with the food stamp program. FNP teaches food stamp recipients how to improve their dietary practices and become more effective managers of available food resources. As Family Nutriton Program Assistant I will focus on educational programs to enhance the quality of the individuals' and families' nutrition through the enhanced knowledge of nutrition, food buying and food safety.