University of Illinois Extension has named Tara Heath as county director for Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties, the organization announced March 16.

Heath will assume the role at the end of April, succeeding longtime director Lisa Torrance, who is retiring after 24 years.

As county director, Heath will oversee Extension programming across the four-county unit, including services provided through the Knox County Extension office, which offers programs in 4-H youth development, agriculture, horticulture and community education.

A Macomb native, she brings more than 20 years of experience in landscape management and agriculture, along with a background rooted in farming.

Heath joined Illinois Extension in 2021 and most recently served as a commercial agriculture educator.