Porter County has hired Patty Keating as Community Development Educator. An experienced Extension Educator and recent graduate of the National Extension Leadership Development program, Ms. Keating’s primary responsibilities are working with the community in the areas of leadership, grant writing and community and organization development.
“We are happy to welcome Patty to Purdue Extension – Porter County,” said Annetta Jones, County Extension Director and Health and Human Sciences Educator. “She brings a wealth of experience and will work to develop businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Porter County.”
In her last position as Youth Development Educator for Purdue Extension – LaPorte County, she co-coordinated the 4-H program, managing the efforts of 300 volunteers and 1,400 youth members. She also educated the public, teaching workshops such as “The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing,” “Start Your Own Business,” and “Build Your Future,” which concentrated on workforce preparation and entrepreneurship.
As Coordinator of the Safe Harbor Program, she implemented a $1.2 million federal grant to create the Safe Harbor After-School Program in Michigan City, which opened in six schools, serving more than 600 children and keeping them safe and out of trouble in the out-of-school hours.
Keating has a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Ball State University and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and Psychology from Purdue University.
“I am very excited to join the Porter County staff and I look forward to working with businesses, individuals and organizations throughout the county,” she said.