has appointed Abbey Pike as Extension county coordinator for Washoe County. She joins a growing team of coordinators dedicated to expanding the reach of Extension programs and streamlining administrative processes across the state.
Pike will collaborate with community members, county offices and Extension colleagues to expand awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs for Washoe County residents.
“Abbey’s experience in legislative community work and grassroots advocacy will be a valuable asset as we strive to increase our services and programs,” said Holly Gatzke, Extension northern area director. “We’re very pleased to have her in the Extension family.”
Before joining the University, Pike spent three years as a regional representative for U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, acting as a liaison between the senator's office and rural communities in Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä. Travelling thousands of miles across the state each year, she shared information on federal grants and community development resources with state and local officials, businesses, labor groups, nonprofits and grassroots organizations. She also attended various state, county and community-based meetings to gather insights on local needs and relay them to the senator's office, focusing on issues such as infrastructure; agriculture; LGBTQ+ rights; and economic and community development projects.
Through her outreach efforts, Pike also facilitated connections between grassroots organizations and government agencies, helping them secure congressional project funding for critical projects, such as water treatment facilities, infrastructure improvements and facility management. Pike herself grew up in a rural area and participated in Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program as a youth.
"As a former 4-H member who grew up in rural ÁùºÏ±¦µä, I understand how vital developmental resources are for rural communities," Pike said. "I'm excited to join Extension and continue my passion for civic duty by advocating for the needs of communities that are often distant from key sources of information."
Pike is also an alum of the University and has advocated for student safety through her work with Every Voice Coalition, an organization focused on addressing campus sexual violence. As a leader in the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno , she testified in favor of an anti-sexual violence bill, SB347, drafted by the coalition in 2021. Commonly known as Every Voice ÁùºÏ±¦µä Bill, the legislation establishes guidelines to combat sexual violence and support survivors across all higher education institutions in ÁùºÏ±¦µä. Pike was later appointed as state director for the coalition to oversee and support the bill’s implementation in its first year.
Pike holds a bachelor’s degree with triple majors in sociology, political science and criminal justice.
