DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Catherine Hepner
Catherine Hepner
Having the opportunity to become more involved in her community is what sparked Catherine Hepner’s interest in working for the MSU Extension Service.
As an office associate for Newton County Extension, Catherine concentrates on community outreach through newsletters, social media and press releases. She also initiated a weekly agent column in a local newspaper.
“I’m the first smiling face our clients encounter when they call, email or come into the office, so I make sure they receive timely service,” Catherine said.
Catherine said dealing with people is the most enjoyable aspect of her job with Extension.
“There are so many talented and interesting people in our local community and the university,” Catherine explained. “I especially enjoy seeing the children who participate through 4-H.”
Previously, Catherine worked as a computer programmer specializing in materials management and integrated manufacturing systems for 11 years while living in California. After relocating to Idaho, she helped establish a local newspaper. Her family lived in Idaho for 10 years before moving to Mississippi. She was working part time at the local newspaper, the Newton County Appeal, when her current position became available.
Volunteerism and community outreach has always been a very integral part of Catherine’s life.
“I’ve always been interested in contributing to the welfare of my community, no matter where I live,” she said. “Working together with other interested individuals is a great way to get to know people.”
In California, she was involved in her church and delivering programs to aid pregnant teens. While in Idaho, she served as a volunteer art instructor for her daughter’s school and helped organize support groups for grandparents-as-parents (relatives who have custody of children when their biological parents are unable to care for them). Currently, she serves as secretary for the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce and manages the “Decatur News” Facebook group.
Catherine, who has been married for 30 years, has a 15-year-old daughter and four grown stepchildren.
Editor's note: The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
