Richard Rivers, “Dick”, grew up on his grandparent’s dairy farm where he joined 4-H when he was 12 years old. Dick was a Member of Adventurer’s 4H Club, Treasurer of Broome County 4H Council and attended Arnot Forest 4H Conservation Camp in 1957-59. Dick was able to plant several thousand seedlings as a 4H project.
Dick served many roles for the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), which included Cattaraugus CCE Board of Directors, Director and Board President in the mid 1980’s. Dick also served as the Executive Director of the Cattaraugus County Cooperative Extension 2018-2023 where he was instrumental in establishing Southwest Dairy, Livestock and Field Crop Teams.
During his time at CCE, Dick established Farm-to-School Programs in three Schools, re-established the Master Gardener Program and was able to successfully negotiated a contract with Town of Ellicottville for the lease of space in Town Center. He also coordinated the design and remodeling of CCE space including a new entrance to building. Dick coordinated with the CCE board and Farm Bureau to hold joint Annual Meetings and was a member of NYS Farm Bureau, NYS Forest Owners Association, Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.
Dick’s other Professional Experiences and Community Activities include: Industrial Arts Teacher – Johnson City High School, School Counselor – Broome-Tioga BOCES, Building Principal - Cattaraugus BOCES, Director of CTE – Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES, Member and President of Bertrand-Chaff ee Hospital Board of Directors - 80’s, Member of Blue Shield of WNY Board of Directors (84 – 93), Volunteer Fire and EMS Service (1966 – Present), Member of Ellicottville Fire Company, Fire Chief of Vestal Fire Department, Cattaraugus County Fire Investigator, Member of Catt. CountyArson Task Force.
