Preston assumes new role as disaster assessment, recovery agent

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has hired Curtis Preston to serve as the agency’s disaster assessment and recovery agent for District 2. He will be based in Lubbock.

“Curtis has served AgriLife Extension as a county agent since 1985 and is a true asset to District 2,” said Michael Clawson, AgriLife Extension district administrator, Lubbock. “I have no doubt he’ll be outstanding in his new role as a disaster assessment and recovery agent, and I look forward to what he will accomplish in this position.”

Preston has served as the AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Bailey County for the past 28 years. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Clawson said the expanding relationship between the Texas Department of Emergency Management, TDEM, and AgriLife Extension created the need for specialized agents within the Extension system. Disaster assessment and recovery agents prepare their districts for natural disasters and disaster recovery while working alongside and supporting state agencies. 

“I was fortunate to help at a livestock supply point both with the Panhandle Fire a few years ago and with Hurricane Harvey,” said Preston. “It was very rewarding and I enjoyed helping the people. Extension is about helping people and, with this new position, it is on a whole other level. Because a disaster affects lives – whether it’s humans or animals. I have been an ag agent for 34 years and I look forward to the new challenges this position will bring.”