Erika Bochat assumes new AgriLife Extension leadership post in Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI  —  Erika Herrera Bochat will become the new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regional program leader for family and consumer sciences in Corpus Christi, according to an AgriLife Extension administrator.

Bochat will assume her duties Oct. 1, according to Dr. Susan Ballabina, AgriLife Extension associate director for program development, College Station.

“Erika will be replacing Elaine Fries, a well-known and very accomplished AgriLife Extension leader in the Coastal Bend area who will move to another position within AgriLife,” Ballabina said.

Bochat (pronounced bo-SHAY) has an extensive background in AgriLife Extension and said she looks forward to helping the agency’s personnel continue to serve Texans.

“AgriLife Extension delivers research-based educational programs to address and provide solutions for all Texans, and I am looking forward to working alongside the leadership team to facilitate effective nutrition, health, wellness and family enhancement programming across the southeast region,” she said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to encourage agents to engage and utilize our subject-matter resources and specialists to impact their programming success.”

Bochat’s experience with AgriLife Extension dates back to 1990 when she filled various positions involved with youth development, family and consumer sciences in several coastal bend counties. Her work experience also includes management positions with the United Way of Brazoria County and the city of Goliad.

Bochat received her bachelor’s degree in 1991 in home economics from Lamar University in Beaumont and her master’s in human resource development from Texas A&M University in College Station.