Bio

Dr. A. Richard (Rich) Bonanno serves as Executive Director for the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors. In this capacity, he works to onboard new Directors as well as manage the regional and national responsibilities of the Extension Directors in the 13 southern states as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  

Previously, Rich served as Vice Provost for Campus Outreach and Engagement, Associate Dean, and Director of the NC State Extension. He is Professor Emeritus in Horticultural Science.  He also served as an Extension Specialist with UMass Extension.

Rich is a native of Massachusetts and grew up on the family farm. He holds BS and MS degrees from Cornell University and a PhD degree from Oregon State University. His research and Extension focus areas are weed management in fruit and vegetable crops as well as on-farm food safety.

Why Juntos: Rich has been a supporter of Juntos since 2016. He believes that Juntos provides youth with the opportunity to see, believe, and achieve the future they wish to have.