Rowan County’s new Extension Director won’t have to travel far when she starts on Dec. 1.

Davidson County horticulture extension agent Amy-Lynn Albertson was recently named Rowan’s extension director. She has worked as an extension agent in the state since 2001. In 2014, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association named Albertson the N.C. Extension Agent of the year.

Albertson said she’s excited to join the Rowan County extension team.

A panel of North Carolina State University representatives and County Commissioners Vice Chairman Jim Greene made the selection.

Greene said Albertson is highly quality and implemented successful initiatives in Davidson County, including a Farm School program. In her current role, she serves as local food coordinator, farmers market adviser and master gardener coordinator.

Albertson helped start two farmers markets in Davidson County, according to a news release about Albertson’s hiring.

County Manager Aaron Church said candidates “from across the country” traveled to Rowan for interviews. Church said Albertson was the most qualified.

In her role as extension director, Albertson will be paid a salary of $62,000, which is split between Rowan County and North Carolina State University.