Mandi Dornfield, the UW-Extension area director for Shawano, Menominee, Oconto and Marinette counties, is leaving her post for what she called her “dream job.”
Cornfield told the Shawano County Ag and Extension Committee on Dec. 4 she was not looking for a new job when the executive director role at Youth Go presented itself.
“I love Extension,” she told the committee. “I love the work we do. It’s been a privilege. It is a hard job.”
Dornfeld’s last day will be Jan. 2, and she will begin work the next week at Youth Go, a no-cost nonprofit youth drop-in center serving young people across the Fox Valley.
Dornfeld has more than two decades of experience in youth services, family support, community mental health, and organizational leadership.
She served nearly 11 years with UW-Extension, including as a full-time area director since August 2022.
Her earlier roles include positions with United Way Fox Cities, Family Services-Parent Connection and regional youth development collaboratives.
“Mandi is a proven leader with deep roots in the Fox Valley and a long history of creating safe, trauma-informed environments for young people,” said Matt Borkovec, president of the Youth Go board of directors, in a news release. “Her strengths in partnership building and youth-centered program development make her exceptionally prepared to guide Youth Go into its next chapter.”
“Youth Go has been a trusted place for young people for over 55 years, and I’m honored to join an organization with such a powerful legacy of belonging and safety,” Dornfeld said. “I look forward to working with staff, youth, families, and partners to expand opportunities for young people to be seen, supported, and empowered.”
Founded in 1969, Youth Go provides no-cost drop-in services, outreach, crisis intervention and positive youth development opportunities for youths in grades 5-12 throughout the Fox Valley.
In another Extension update, Dornfeld told the committee the departure of Penny Schmitt as Strong Bodies coordinator will be filled by Sarah Ferdon, an Extension employee in Marinette County.
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