University of Nevada, Reno Extension recently welcomed Adeel Ahmed as the new county educator in Lyon County.

As the Extension county educator, Ahmed is focusing on community and economic development. Although he started the position amidst COVID health restrictions, he’s begun getting involved in and building multiple programs to aid Lyon County. As part of one of these projects, Ahmed has started participating in a group to assess what local communities need to be more resilient to climate change, such as how they can mitigate impacts of fires, smoke and drought.

Another project Ahmed has started developing is assessing the broadband capacity for rural areas in Lyon County. With many jobs operating remotely, strong internet connection is often an overlooked but crucial component for everyday work. In the more rural areas, fast and reliable connections are challenging to find, and programs like Zoom are slowed, causing interruptions to the work day.

“I am thrilled to join the University, especially being able to work in Lyon County.” Ahmed said. “The best part of being in positions like a county educator is being able to go out into the community and speak with everyone about the community in which they live. Although that interaction looks different right now, it’s still great to have those connections.”

Ahmed worked with Extension in Minnesota for 10 years, where he was a regional educator specializing in community economic development. He worked with the community and gathered local data to conduct projects such as the development of an e-marketing program that helps business owners develop strategies to conduct business online, which has been adapted nationally in a dozen states. He also facilitated multiple tourism projects, including a bike-borrowing program to help locals and visitors explore the community.

“Extension is thrilled to have Adeel join our team,” Holly Gatzke, Northern Area Director, said. “His talents and experience are well suited to address the needs of a growing and changing Lyon county as well as the whole state. He is already researching programs to create positive changes.”

Although certain cautions are in place, Ahmed is still facilitating meetings through Zoom so he can foster relationships and gather information on the needs of Lyon County.