Expertise
- LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program
- Public Issues Education
- LEAD Maryland Foundation
- Wye Research & Education Center
- Agricultural & Rural Leadership
- Curriculum Development & Experiential Learning
- Strategic Partnerships
- Nonprofit Management, Governance, & Leadership
- Organizational Sustainability
Susan R. Harrison, Principal Agent Associate, University of Maryland Extension (UME), Agriculture & Food Systems (AgFS), LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program--a UME Signature Program
The LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program works to increase the numbers and capacity of leaders serving agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. Over a two-year period, LEAD Fellows complete a series of multi-day seminars in Maryland and Washington DC, plus an international study tour. Harrison has led the LEAD Maryland Program since 1998, with responsibilities to work with volunteers, funders, Fellows and other educators; to develop, implement, and evaluate program curriculum; and to secure grants, contributions, and other revenue sources to fund the program. Harrison was awarded the "Outstanding International Leadership Program Director Award" by the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leaders in 2023.
Harrison is the Founding Executive Director of the LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with UME in partnership to provide the Fellowship Program. The Foundation provides funds for salary support and fully pays for the program seminars and study tours.
Originally from Wisconsin, Susan was raised on a dairy, livestock, grains, hay & forages farm that was also recongized for forestry, soil, water, and wildlife conservation. The farm has been owned and operated by her family since 1894. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Alumni Membership, and later, an Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award. Susan was employed by Farm Bureau for nine years, first in Wisconsin, then as executive director of Vermont Farm Bureau, serving farm and rural families, delivering leadership training, and shaping public policy.
Susan and her husband, Raymond, have two grown children. The Harrison family lives, farms, and has additional community roles in Talbot County, Maryland.
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