Despain, of Laramie, Wyoming, earned an associate’s in animal science from Casper College, and a bachelor’s and master’s in animal science from Texas A&M. He spent the last year as the livestock judging coach and coordinator at Texas A&M and also completed an internship with AgriLife Extension. Despain grew up exhibiting livestock at the county, state and national level. He was involved in livestock judging at every level. He said he is passionate about the livestock industry and looks forward to working with families in his county role. “AgriLife Extension has a very broad net that covers so much of our industry,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working at the county level, where production agriculture starts.”

Torri McClellen, 4-H youth development, Victoria County

McClellen, of Odem, earned her bachelor’s in agribusiness with a minor in business administration from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She has collected numerous hours in work experience interning with AgriLife Extension in Nueces County, the Texas FFA Foundation and with the Buccaneer Commission. McClellen grew up in San Patricio County where she was active in showing livestock and agriculture youth leadership organizations. She said she is excited to move to Victoria County to work with the youth to develop their leadership and community involvement. “I did not have the fortune of growing up in the 4-H program, but I have seen the impact and opportunities that are open to members of 4-H. I look forward to bringing those opportunities to the youth of Victoria County,” she said.

Lauren Meiwes, family and community health, Hansford County

Meiwes, of Del Rio, earned her bachelor’s in animal science at West Texas A&M University. She spent three years working as an embryologist before starting as an elementary school teacher in Perryton and then a family and community science teacher at Spearman. Growing up, Meiwes was active in Val Verde County 4-H, including shooting sports, food and nutrition, wool and mohair judging, livestock judging and showing pigs, lambs, angora goats, horses, meat goats and dogs. She was also involved in the 4-H Council through the junior and senior divisions and is excited to share her well-rounded passion with the youth and community members of Hansford County. “I joined AgriLife Extension because I have a passion for teaching, a passion for agriculture and a passion for helping,” she said.

Eleni Patitsas, agriculture and natural resources agent, Comal County

Patitsas, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, earned her bachelor’s in horticulture at Texas A&M and master’s in theological studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. She studied abroad with Semester at Sea and has a permaculture design certificate in international development. She previously served as the agricultural programs manager for a non-profit and has worked with farm and homestead management and consulting. Patitsas assisted with research on vineyards in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences viticulture and enology program. “I hope to equip people, build community resiliency, bring food growing skillsets and conservation agriculture, and foster environmental stewardship in Comal County and beyond,” she said.