Paul Crawford has joined Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as the regional director serving Benton, Jones and Linn counties effective January 2016. Crawford also will serve as director of the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Linn County located in Cedar Rapids, his primary office.

As regional director, Crawford provides leadership to the county extension councils and oversees delivery of regional educational programs that align with needs of the region.

“Paul brings extensive experience in higher education, community involvement and partnership development. This will be important in his role as a regional director,” said Bob Dodds, interim assistant vice president for county services with ISU Extension and Outreach. “His background offers an excellent foundation for working with county extension councils and bringing Iowa State resources to the counties in the region.”

Before joining ISU Extension and Outreach, Crawford completed 14 years of service at Northern Illinois University most recently as director of community college relations within the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. He mobilized partnerships among 20 community college districts in the northern Illinois region and took on responsibilities as the North American Director for the PASCAL International Observatory . Crawford also served as a major gifts officer for the NIU Foundation.

Crawford holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy from St. Mary’s University, Winona, Minn. and master of arts in pastoral ministry from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn.

Crawford was born in Algona, Iowa, has family in the Fort Dodge area and is delighted to be coming full circle with his return to Iowa. He soon will be joined in Linn County by his wife, Kimberly. Paul and Kim have a daughter, Brigid, who is a junior at Illinois Wesleyan University.