11-b - Agricultural Preservation Board - Appointment

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Page 2 of 3 James Fickle Supplemental Questions: Agricultural Preservation Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: BS/MS/PhD degrees from Texas Tech University and University of Illinois followed by 40 years experience in applied research and regulatory affairs in agriculture. I am familiar with production systems ranging from large operations to local market-garden farms with diverse production integrating crop and animal enterprises. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I have been in Agriculture for my entire career and would like Agriculture to continue to be a viable way of life in what has become a heavily urbanized area (Research Triangle metropolitan area). I am sympathetic with the challenges of continuing agricultural lifestyles and need to adapt to changing needs brought on by urbanization. While large mechanized broadacre farms will continue to decrease in number in metropolitan areas, we have an opportunity to preserve agricultural areas which have production suited to the urban area and local markets. Conflict of Interest: Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Background, education and experience relevant to this board: BS/MS/PhD degrees from Texas Tech University and University of Illinois followed by 40 years experience in applied research and regulatory affairs in agriculture. While with industry, my employers (and I as their representative) had occasion to use the services of the Community Colleges in the areas where I worked. More specifically, we used summer interns as technical assistants in field and laboratory work. While Durham Technical is not agriculturally oriented, I suggest my experience would be useful, giving me a broad perspective applicable to the many disciplines taught at Durham Technical. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I feel the community college system is a critical part of our overall educational system and while it makes many contributions to American Industry, more can be done. Allegiances of Durham Technical with local industry no doubt exist, but is a particular area that can be strengthened to increase American competitiveness, particularly in the biotechnical, mechanical, electrical and electronic trades. Conflict of Interest: Orange Water & Sewer Authority Board of Directors Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and/or from other boards/commissions that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management. Professionally, my positions involved budgetary responsibility (up to $2 M annually) and management of direct reporting personnel (up to 14). I am aware of the needs for planning, implementation, and oversight of these resources while maintaining focus on the tasks assigned. In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board. Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees What improvements do you believe can be made so that DTCC better serves the residents of Orange County? As suggested above, strengthen ties with local industry to enable curriculum paths leading to careers in industry. 9