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Iron County Extension Director
Community Development
Suite 14
2 South Sixth Street
Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Work Phone: 906-875-0603
FAX: 906-875-6775
email: nelsons7@msu.edu

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources from Michigan State University and received my Master's in Public Administrative Services from Northern Michigan University. I grew up in a rural Upper Michigan township with a population of 500 residents. Early in my career, I worked as a herdsman and Dairy Manager for Michigan State University Agriculture Experiment station. For the past 14 years I have worked for Michigan State University Extension as a County Extension Director. I am involved in the Community Development Area of Expertise programming arena. My programming focus over the past several years has been on organizational development, tourism, alternative agriculture crop production and leadership training. My wife Marian and I live in a ranch style home in rural Michigan one half mile from my family home. I am the owner operator of Wagner Hills farm specializing in alternative crops production.

Ottawa County Extension Dir./District Sea Grant Extension Agent
Michigan State University Extension
Ottawa County MSUE
333 Clinton Ave.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Work Phone: 616-846-8250
FAX: 616-846-0655
email: pistis@msu.edu

I have been with MSUE since 1977 when I was selected to be the first Sea Grant Extension Agent for SW Michigan. My Sea Grant role involves Extension responsibilities with Great Lakes constituencies. While still retaining my regional Sea Grant role, in 1994 I was appointed Ottawa County Extension Director.I administer a staff of 17 in Michigan's largest agricultural county. I am married and the father of two.