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Millbrook, NY-- Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County is pleased to announce that Sam Storey has joined the organization as its new Executive Director.
Storey brings more than a decade of experience leading community and economic development initiatives through nonprofit organizations, local government partnerships, and research institutions. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the York Road Improvement District in Baltimore, Maryland, where he led efforts to revitalize North Baltimore through economic development, environmental stewardship, public safety initiatives, workforce development, and community partnerships. His previous experience includes leadership roles with the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, as well as research positions focused on housing, workforce development, and public policy.
Storey holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Stanford University.
As Executive Director, Storey will work with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County’s Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners to advance the organization’s mission of delivering research-based education and programs that strengthen individuals, families, businesses, farms, and communities throughout Dutchess County.
“I am honored to join Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and excited to become part of this community,” said Storey. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and partners to build on CCEDC’s legacy and expand the organization’s impact across Dutchess County.”
“The executive director position requires a multifaceted leader with a great variety of skills from finance management, grant expertise, fund development and programmatic development, and as one of our board members stated, the perfect candidate should also know how to fly and wear a cape,” commented Chris Shave, President of CCEDC’s Board of Directors. “We found just the hero we were looking for in Sam Storey. He has an incredible depth of experience and a passion to be here serving our communities in Dutchess County.”
Storey began serving as Executive Director on July 1, 2026. The position had been held since mid-December by the CCEDC Family and Consumer Education Program Director Jessica Canale, who took on the additional duties of Interim Executive Director. Canale’s additional work was possible with the support of Kristin Ludl, Senior Administrator, Human Resources and Operations Management, who also shouldered more responsibilities.
“The board was thrilled to have this dedicated dynamic duo at the helm during this transitional time,” said Shave. “Having Jessica and Kristin divide the duties and responsibilities of the executive director was the perfect plan. We appreciate their effort and professionalism.”
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