Stephanie Nault has been named the new Area 8 director for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
She replaces Mandi Dornfeld, who resigned at the start of the year to accept a new job in the Fox Valley.
Nault will supervise the UW-Extension offices in Shawano, Menominee, Oconto and Marinette counties. She will work out of the Oconto office but will regularly travel to the other counties.
“I come into this position with a strong background in building community and statewide collaborations across organizational structures, where I have worked to identify needs and expand impact,” Nault said. “I previously worked for Extension about five years ago and was drawn to return because of the positive culture, supportive environment and being in a position to help individuals and communities solve problems, grow and thrive.”
Nault was born and raised in Peshtigo, where she lives with her husband and three children.
“I grew up on my family’s farm, come from a tight-knit family and enjoy serving my church and school, coaching sports, outdoor activities with my family, and I take great pride in supporting my children and being present for everything they are involved in,” she said.
Nault has 19 years of experience in state services, serving in progressive leadership and direct supervisory roles with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and UW-Extension in Marinette County.
Tami Goers, Extension coordinator, and Megan Suehring, 4-H positive youth development educator, are looking forward to working with Nault.
“She is a lady who knows her stuff,” Suehring said. “She’s good to work with. She is a lady of action.”
“She’s a go-getter, too,” Goers added.
Nault is aware of the challenge awaiting her — supervising offices in four counties, as well as balancing the needs of different communities while ensuring staff feel supported.
“I plan to overcome such challenges by leading with presence, support, clear communication and while staying responsive to each community’s unique needs,” she said. “I care deeply about our local communities and am eager to leverage my skills to lead and support staff, while connecting with community partners to help drive change.”
