Posted on July 14th, 2026 in NCRCRD News

Congratulations to the Community Development Extension programs, teams, and individuals who won a North Central Region award at the 2026 National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) Annual Conference’s on June 16, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas.

Cross Program / Team

Beyond the Auction: Social Impacts of Nebraska’s Livestock Sale Barns

  • Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, University of Nebraska
  • Marilyn Schlake, University of Nebraska
  • Michelle Krehbiel, University of Nebraska
  • Randy Saner, University of Nebraska
  • Becky Vogt, University of Nebraska
  • Conner Biehler, University of Nebraska
  • Bethany Johnston, University of Nebraska
  • Amy Zimmerman, University of Nebraska

 

Distinguished Career / Individual

 

Educational Materials / Individual

Side by Side Podcast – Rural and Urban Interdependence

  • Ellen Wolter, University of Minnesota

 

Educational Materials / Team

Innovative Solutions to Spotted Lantern Fly in Coastal Ohio

  • Scott Hardy, The Ohio State University
  • Samuel Cedeno, Case Western Reserve University

 

Excellence in Community Development / Individual

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

  • Nancy Daniels, Kansas State University Extension

 

Excellence in Community Development / Team

Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

  • Brad Neumann, Michigan State University
  • Harmony Fierke-Gmazel, Michigan State University
  • Tyler Augst, Michigan State University
  • Mary Reilly, Michigan State University
  • Eric Warman, Michigan State University
  • Kara Kelly, Michigan State University

 

Excellence in Teamwork

Ohio’s Marina Industry Business Retention and Expansion Initiative

  • Joe Lucente, The Ohio State University
  • Sarah Orlando, The Ohio State University

 

Innovation and Creativity / Individual

Village Vistas: A Community Revitalization Effort

  • Gwynn Stewart, The Ohio State University

 

Innovation and Creativity / Team

Blandin Community Learning Network – Building Capacity for Change

  • Jody Horntvedt, University of Minnesota Extension
  • Ellen Wolter, University of Minnesota Extension
  • Craig Campbell, University of Minnesota Extension
  • John Bennett, University of Minnesota Extension