Remembering John Brenneman

John Brenneman, Polk County Extension Director, passed away on June 22, 2009. John's work as a Polk County extension agent began in 1975 when he delivered 4-H and dairy programs. As his career developed he turned to natural resources, where he helped expand the LAKEWATCH program. John became the Polk County Extension Director in 2005. He organized the Polk County Water School and the Living on the Lake program, which taught residents and elected officials about water quality and quantity issues, and published a bimonthly newsletter, Life on the Water.  The week before his passing, John was honored by the Polk County Commission for his 34 years of dedication and service, which included naming the South Auditorium at the W.H. Stuart Conference Center after him and receiving a Congressional Record from Rep. Adam Putnam. Other awards he received were the 1991 National Association of County Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award, and the 2003 Art Hornsby Distinguished Extension Professional and Enhancement Award. John continued to serve IFAS Extension to the very end despite his illness, and we will miss him greatly.

Educational Background

• 1974 - B.S. Agriculture, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
• 1975 - M.S. Agricultural Management and Resource Development, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Experience

• 2005-2009
  County Extension Director
  University of Florida/Polk County
  Cooperative Extension Service
• 1995-2005
  Multi-County Extension Agent
  Natural Resources
  University of Florida/Polk and Hillsborough Counties Cooperative Extension Service
• 1986-1995
  4-H and Farm Management Extension Agent
  University of Florida/Polk County
  Cooperative Extension Service
• 1975-1986
  4-H and Dairy Extension Agent
  University of Florida/Polk County
  Cooperative Extension Service
• 1975
  4-H Extension Agent
  University of Florida/Hendry County
  Cooperative Extension Service