Get to Know Extension

A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in horticulture and a minor in agricultural economics, Sutphin spent about ten years working in landscape installation in the Winchester area before joining Virginia Cooperative Extension. Today, his work focuses on helping communities respond to agricultural and environmental challenges through practical, research-based education.

Karen Munden has served as a Family and Consumer Sciences agent at Virginia Cooperative Extension in Virginia Beach since 2001. Her passion for making content accessible has shaped her career. She often draws from personal experiences to make lessons relatable and real. Munden is especially passionate about empowering others through financial education, using hands-on activities to teach the value of personal fiscal responsibility.

Jennifer M. Ligon is a Senior Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Her work focuses primarily on Agriculture and Natural Resources, with a strong emphasis on supporting cattle producers and strengthening local agricultural communities. Her duties include hands-on producer education, community-based agricultural support, and implementation of research-based programs within Virginia’s farming communities. Her professional focus includes livestock production, stockmanship, and working directly with cattle producers to improve animal handling, farm management, and market access.

From witnessing a record-breaking livestock fair sale to helping students experience travel for the first time, Sam Leech takes pride in expanding opportunities for young people. He believes 4-H is about much more than agriculture—it’s a place where youth explore leadership, STEM, and personal growth—and sees its greatest impact in building the next generation of leaders.

Carl Stafford is a senior Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent specializing in animal sciences. For nearly four decades, he has helped Virginia farmers apply research-based solutions to local agricultural challenges through hands-on education and community partnerships.

Shirley White has been at the heart of the Portsmouth Extension Office for more than 20 years. Well known for her ever-present smile and willingness to help, White’s role as a unit administrative assistant means she is the first face or voice many new clients encounter.