Extension Administrative Secretary,
Randolph County

Program Achievements:
Rita Wheeler has made numerous outstanding contributions to the citizens of Randolph County in her role as the Administrative Extension Secretary for the Randolph County Extension Center. Rita excels in her administrative skills and total understanding of the Extension mission. Her attention to detail, sound judgment, desire for a positive office image and high morale among coworkers is an asset to the Randolph County Center. Rita has provided continuity and cohesiveness during the transition of County Directors and in the management of the Master Gardener program. Rita's positive attitude toward her work, her ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner, and her interpersonal skills, make her a real asset to North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

As Administrative Extension Secretary for the Randolph County Center for the past six years, Rita Wheeler is more than an "assistant” to the County Extension Director. She handles the demands of the County Extension Director, the horticulture agent and Master Gardeners while serving as the finance officer for Cooperative Extension. Many people have indicated to the CED that her knowledge of Extension, the staff responsibilities and availability, and the overall mission made them feel comfortable and more apt to use our services.  Randolph County continues to grow in population, and therefore many of our customers are first- time Extension contacts.

In 2004, upon the retirement of the County Extension Director, Rita provided support to the interim County Director who was housed in another County.  She provided leadership on the staff, working to maintain office cohesiveness during the six months without a permanent County Director and helped make an easier transition for the incoming director.

One of the greatest accomplishments has been her assistance to the Master Gardeners as the horticulture position has been vacated three times in the last six years, with the equivalent of nearly two years before being filled.  Rita works with the Master Gardeners, reminding them of their meetings, working out schedules with their president, coordinating the Master Gardener phone and office schedule, and works with the public to manage plant samples and facilitate horticulture questions.

Another area that Rita excels in is the management of the County Extension budget and financial procedures in the Extension Office.  She has received numerous in-depth trainings for budget management and has established as effective accounting and bookkeeping system, which has allowed the staff to track their expenditures and manage their accounts.

Another important leadership role Rita has coordinated has been the requesting of and justification of the need for a third secretary for the Randolph County Extension Center. Rita took the initiative to develop a proposal for an additional secretary/receptionist that went to the County Manager and County Commissioners for their approval.  A part-time position was funded in March of 2004 using County funds.  In November of 2004, the position was expanded to 40 hours fully County supported.  Without Rita’s initiative this position would never have been created.

Professional Accomplishments:
2000- Chairperson of the SW District Secretaries Association Professional Development Committee

2001- Secretary Award of Excellence

2002-2007- Notary Public

2002- ESP County Performance Award: Part of the staff who received this award

2004- Chairperson of the NW District Secretaries Association Nominating Committee

2004- County Budget Planning Committee

2005- Hosted District Secretary Association Fall Meeting

Rita is an active member of Epsilon Sigma Phi since 2004.  She has helped prepare programs and other materials for Annual meetings. In addition, she has helped prepare the ESP newsletter for distribution.