Celeste Carmichael has been appointed assistant director for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), overseeing program development and accountability. 

Carmichael will lead statewide programmatic efforts, working with local, campus, and national program leadership. She will also guide staff development as it relates to program planning and reporting and to ensure program compliance with federal and state reporting. In addition to satisfying federal funding mandates, this work strengthens campus-county collaboration, safeguarding essential supports for CCE's educational outreach and research mission.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Celeste’s experience, knowledge, and passion for the mission of CCE in this role,” said CCE Director Andy Turner. “Celeste has demonstrated exceptional leadership in program development, staff training, and organizational advancement. Her dedication to fostering community engagement and her innovative approach to extension education have been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of our programs across New York state.”

Carmichael earned a master's degree in instructional design from Quinnipiac University, a master of science in environmental engineering from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Cornell's Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.