Shout Out: Tara Markley, Johnson County
July 7, 2026
Submitted by Gregg Hadley
This week, the Shout Out is from Amanda Clasen, Southwind District Community Vitality Agent and is sent for Tara Markley, Johnson County director.
Amanda writes:
“ A huge THANK YOU and shout-out to Tara Markley for the countless hours she dedicated to helping make the NACDEP 2026 Conference in Wichita a success!
Tara played a critical role in providing technology support throughout the conference, ensuring presenters had everything they needed and that presentation technology ran smoothly. Behind the scenes, she was instrumental in setting up the WHOVA app prior to the conference, helping create a seamless experience for attendees.
In addition, prior to conference week, Tara served as co-chair of the sessions planning committee, where she helped organize and coordinate the conference session lineup. Her attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and willingness to step in wherever needed were invaluable to the success of the event.
Quite simply, our conference would not have run as smoothly without Tara's leadership, dedication, and behind-the-scenes efforts. So much of what attendees experienced was possible because of the work she put in long before the conference began and throughout the week itself.
Additional THANK YOU! to:
- Marlin Bates, who also put in endless hours prior to the conference to serve as co-chair on the sessions committee, and his attention to detail.
- Tracy Hemsath, who served as assistant tech support during conference week.
Thank you, Tara, for your commitment, hard work, and the many ways you helped make NACDEP 2026 an outstanding experience for everyone involved!"
Tara -- thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu.
Shout Out submissions are published in the order they are received.
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