That leave was extended, and eventually he made an official transfer. 

 But he still worked closely with Sea Grant, as the program fell within his 

 governmental affairs work for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 



In addition, Voiland worked to advance federal support for other 

 Cornell programs funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

 Administration, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funds 

 the Cooperative Extension and the Agricultural Expenment Station. Other 

 programs included those funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection 

 Agency, National Science Foundation and U.S. Geological Survey. 



Dunng his six years in government affairs, Voiland worked on 

 the national Sea Grant reauthonzation bill in Congress — identifying 

 "champions" from 

 across New York to 

 speak on behalf of Sea 

 Grant. Of the state's 31 

 members of the House 

 of Representatives, 

 26 signed on to 

 letters supporting 

 reauthorization. 



To Voiland, that 

 level of support reflects 

 the value of Sea Grant 

 to inland districts as well 

 as those along the Great 

 Lakes or manne waters. 

 'The whole delegation 

 was supportive," he 



says. "I hope that will be the case in North Carolina." 



In 2000, Voiland determined that although he appreciated the 

 process and protocol of government affairs, he missed the close connection 

 with stakeholders, as well as the development of research and extension 

 programs. "I cut my teeth in extension as a specialist," he explains. 



He moved to a position that combined duties as assistant director 

 of Cornell Cooperative Extension and assistant director of the university's 

 Agricultural Experiment Station — an effort to better integrate the programs. 



There, Voiland worked to establish channels of stakeholder input 

 to help decide what research is "needed, valued and relevant." He also 

 coordinated establishment of five "program councils" and the organization 

 of more than three dozen "program work teams" — each of which included 

 research faculty, extension professionals and people outside the university. 



Those work teams would only be formed through a "petition" from 

 a group that had representatives from all three perspectives. The teams 

 — focused on topics such as aquaculture, fruit, biodiversity and human- 

 wildlife conflicts — were successful enough that when limited operational 

 funding was cut, a majority of the groups found ways to continue 

 meeting, developing and delivering programs, and providing suggestions 

 for strategic plans. 



Finding Balance 



Although many of the lessons learned in New York shape his 

 perspective, Voiland explains that he does not plan to bring any 



immediate changes to the program here. 



"North Carolina Sea Grant is a gem of a program," he says, citing 

 veteran staff that are recognized as the best in their field, as well as talented 

 new staff members. 



And Voiland has the opportunity to occasionally consult with former 

 directors Ronald Hodson and B.J. Copeland. "They will be a tough act to 

 follow — and I will listen to any advice they might lend." 



While Voiland's official duties at North Carolina Sea Grant did not start 

 until July 1 , he participated in the program's 30th anniversary symposium, 

 and took a trip to the Outer Banks with Hodson in latejune. 



"I was impressed with how much credit and respect all parties — public 



left td right: voiland's hobbies include taking his flrehawk to car shows. • his interests alsd include 

 zydeco music. he played keyboard in a band in ithaca, n.y., and expects to find opportunities to play in north 

 Carolina. • Voiland will lead a new study committee on coastal waterfront access. 



and pnvate — clearly give to North Carolina Sea Grant," he says. 



Voiland found similar situations when he visited extension staff, 

 researchers and partners in Wilmington and Morehead City to see coastal 

 resources and issues first-hand. 'There is a complex array of pressures 

 — natural and man-made," he adds, "and an impressive pool of marine 

 research talent to address those pressures." 



Voiland will learn more as he chairs the Waterfront Access Study 

 Committee, authonzed recently by the N.C. General Assembly. 



As he settles into life in North Carolina, Voiland also cairies another 

 title: newlywed. He and Nancy Fey were married in May. 



"We're looking forward to venturing to all parts of the state and truly 

 making North Carolina our new home," she says. 



Add in the mix keeping up with his daughter, Doha, who will graduate 

 from Cornell in December, and a vanety of hobbies, and Mike Voiland has a 

 full schedule. That is just the way he likes it. 



"I feel that it's key to maintain a balance between one's professional, 

 domestic and personal lives. Most everybody I've met or worked with in 

 the university research and outreach arena — and especially in the natural 

 resources field — is so hardworking and dedicated. Sometimes, it's to a fault 

 in that they ignore their own needs to refresh, to rest, to grow, and to recreate 

 who they are, or can become," Voiland explains. 



"I try to do things for my own renewal: I enjoy my special car, going to 

 car shows, playing zydeco music, cooking and restaurant hopping, taking the 

 occasional fishing or boating tnp, following the fortunes of my alma mater in 



16 Coastwatch I Autumn 2006 I www.ncseagrant.org 



