Pollard named Burke County’s extension director

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center announced last week the appointment of Damon Pollard as its new county extension director.

A 1986 Freedom High School graduate, Pollard has been the county’s agricultural extension agent for 22 years. He grew up in Morganton on a diversified livestock and hay operation raising hogs and beef cattle, and he remains an active beef cattle and hay producer.

Pollard earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education with a minor in animal science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and he further prepared for his new leadership role by graduating from the Academy to Advance Leadership within Extension (AALE) program.

Developed to cultivate leaders within North Carolina State University’s Extension, the AALE program focuses on leading self, leading others, managing teams, and driving organizational change.

“Although relatively quiet, Damon was clearly a critical thinker, a strong supporter of others, and a responsible contributor to the goals of the program,” said Dr. Rhonda Sutton, assistant dean for professional development at the N.C. State Graduate School. “... I found Damon to be accountable, responsive, genuine, knowledgeable, and trustworthy — all characteristics that a strong county extension director needs to fulfill the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position.”

Pollard has already demonstrated his administrative capabilities firsthand, previously directing operations and serving as acting director during past county director absences. Throughout his 22 years in the Burke County Extension serving livestock, field crops, and forestry program areas, he has successfully spearheaded collaborations with community stakeholders and played a role in disaster recovery efforts, helping local farmers rebuild their operations after natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

Beyond his professional resume, Pollard is involved with his local church, the Burke County Cattlemen’s Association, and Burke County Farm Bureau. He has been married to his wife, Julie, for 32 years, and they have three sons — Pate, Burke, and Avery — all of whom have graduated from N.C. State.

“From a community perspective, Damon is the kind of leader every county hopes to have — steady, service-minded, and deeply committed to the well-being of the people he serves,” said Johnnie Carswell, past president of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners and former chairman of the Burke County Board of Commissioners. “I have come to know him as someone who leads with integrity, listens with care, and consistently puts the needs of others first.”

Spring Williams-Byrd previously served as Burke County’s extension director before retiring on April 1 after 37 years with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Burke County Center.

— JM