Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has appointed Dr. Keith Tidball critical issue leader for extension programming in natural resources and the environment, effective October 1. This two-year appointment reflects CCE's dedication to addressing the pressing challenges facing organisms, landscapes, and social-ecological systems in the 21st century.  

 As critical issue lead, Tidball will play a pivotal role in bridging campus resources with CCE educators and collaborators across the state, helping to ensure that needs are met and effective metrics for educational work are identified and reviewed. Tidball will also oversee relevant program planning considerations, including statewide efforts for assessing needs, evaluation strategies, and Federal Capacity Fund proposal reviews. Tidball will continue to serve as an assistant director for CCE and and senior extension associate in the department of Natural Resources and the Environment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

As an environmental anthropologist and naturalist, Tidball focuses on amplifying the recruitment of citizen conservationists and developing a 21st-century land ethic. His integrated research and extension efforts explore the dynamics of natural resource management in the contexts of trauma, disturbance, disasters, and war. 

Tidball’s contributions to community-based natural resource management, particularly in post-disaster and post-conflict resilience, have been recognized globally. His innovative approaches to outdoor recreation and its role in resilience and recovery for veterans, military families, and disaster survivors have made significant impacts. 

 "CCE is fortunate to have Dr. Keith Tidball working in the role," said Dr. Andy Turner, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension. "Keith's broad experience, leadership, and dedication to sustainability and community resilience is exactly what we need right now. His work continues to drive dialogue across disciplines and helps to empower our communities to protect our natural resources for future generations. This step formalizes his contributions to the Extension system and to staff across the state."