AgriLife Extension names new Ector County agent

Steve Paz assumes agriculture and natural resources post Jan. 4

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu  

Contact: Rebel Royall, 432-354-2381, r-royall@tamu.edu  

ODESSA – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has named Steve Paz the county agent for agriculture and natural resources in Ector County effective Jan. 4.

The announcement was made by Ector County Judge Ron Eckert and Rebel Royall, AgriLife Extension district administrator at Fort Stockton.

“We are very pleased with Steve’s decision to accept this key county in the 22-county Far West District,” Royall said. “AgriLife Extension has always been an integral part of Steve’s life. He grew up in our agency’s 4-H youth development program, has been an active 4-H parent and has been a valued employee of our agency for more than 20 years. He has stayed in tune with county-level procedure and has demonstrated the skills and knowledge needed to build successful long-term youth and adult programs.

“Steve also has a rich ranching background, is bilingual, and in tune with the latest developments in technology and social media. He’s also an Ector County native and has long maintained strong professional and family ties there. So all things considered, I feel this is a perfect well-rounded match in a number of ways.”

Paz earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Texas Tech University at Lubbock. He also holds an associate of science in business management and a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education certification, both from Odessa College, Odessa.

He began his AgriLife Extension career in 1992 as an AgriLife Extension computer specialist at San Angelo. In 1996, he transferred to Lubbock as the AgriLife Extension computer specialist. In that capacity, he installed and maintained computer networks in county AgriLife Extension offices, courthouses and district AgriLife Extension centers.

He also provided training for AgriLife Extension county agents on all aspects of information technology, provided clientele training on computers and assisted with purchasing requirements. His information technology support efforts spanned 48 counties in the Panhandle.

Paz has garnered much recognition throughout his career. Some of his accolades include: 2013 Golden Boot Award, Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo; 2012 Specialist of the Year in Texas Agriculture, Texas County Agricultural Agents Association; and the 2006 and 2003 AgriLife Extension Superior Service Team Awards.

Paz has also served as a 4-H Master Beef Volunteer, announcer at the South Plains Fair and Golden Spread Classic, served as chairman of the Texas Specialists Association awards committee; and been a reserve deputy sheriff in Ector County.

Paz will be headquartered in the AgriLife Extension offices in Ector County located at 1010 East 8th St. in Odessa.

For more information, contact Royall at 432-354-2381, r-royall@tamu.edu .