County renews WSU Extension agreement; longtime Extension educator Debbie Williams to retire August 31

Walla Walla County commissioners on July 28 approved the interagency memorandum of agreement with Washington State University (WSU) Extension that funds local Extension services including portions of salaries for county‑based faculty and 4‑H staff. Debbie Williams, WSU Extension staff for the county, presented the agreement and told commissioners the county’s contribution covers a portion of faculty and 4‑H salary and that the remainder of employment and benefits remain with WSU.

Williams also told the board she will retire August 31 under a WSU incentive program for tenured faculty and that she has prepared a succession plan. She said staff have been cross‑trained during the past year and that the county and WSU are exploring a regional model to maintain leadership in the Blue Mountain area; Mark Heistemann (regional 4‑H/extension staff) is a suggested interim contact if WSU approves.

Why it matters: The interagency agreement secures continued local extension services — agronomy support, 4‑H programming and Master Gardener outreach — which local leaders said they value for agriculture and youth programs. Williams said WSU is reducing some positions at the statewide level, so the county’s MOA and local staffing priorities will influence whether local services continue at the same level.

Board action and next steps: The board approved the MOA and thanked Williams for 23 years of service; commissioners asked staff to coordinate with WSU and HR on transition details and explore whether Mark Heistemann could serve as interim manager pending WSU approval. Williams said she expects to remain available in an emeritus/volunteer role and will help with succession work as permitted by WSU.