Program Leads

Staci Emm

Professor – Extension - Reno, NV

Staci Emm is a Professor with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. Staci has over 20 years of experience developing and teaching agricultural programming in Nevada. She created the Nevada Risk Management Education program and expanded Nevada Extension tribal programs. She is experienced in business management and entrepreneurship, marketing, Indian land tenure, agricultural water rights, and land-use planning. Areas of expertise include business planning and feasibility, and financial management.

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Kaley Chapin

Lead Coordinator

Kaley Chapin serves as a lead Program Coordinator. She joined Extension as an Outreach Specialist for the Risk Management Education Programs. With a strong background in agriculture and cattle production, and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Agricultural Education, Kaley brings both expertise and passion to her work supporting agricultural communities. As the lead Program Coordinator for statewide agricultural courses and certifications, she develops and delivers educational opportunities for producers, with a focus on small acreage management and farm-to-fork production. She contributes to programs such as the Cattlemen’s Update and the meat and poultry programs. Kaley previously served for five years as the Executive Director of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association. Her work reflects a deep commitment to the success and sustainability of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers across the state.

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Daniel Coen

Lead Coordinator - Extension Tribal Programs - Reno, NV

Daniel Coen joined Extension as the project mentor for the Tribal Students Program, offering support, resources, and advice to scholarship recipients. He holds an M.A.T. and a B.A. in History from Georgia State University and retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8) in 2020. He now coordinates statewide Tribal programs, collaborating with grant teams and tribal communities to identify funding opportunities and leading various Native Program initiatives, including the hoop house project and reservation-based Extension programs. His areas of expertise are tribal agriculture education and training, design and implementation of student programming and hoop house projects, and on-reservation extension programming.

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Program Staff

Joe Frey

Hemp Research - Extension

Joe Frey is a 4th-generation farmer who, in 2017, began farming industrial hemp in Northern Nevada. He's been paramount in shaping the landscape of Nevada's hemp industry with his hands-on approach to state and federal legislation. Joe consults with farmers, universities, municipalities, and organizations on various topics, but is most widely called upon for his knowledge in hemp cultivation and his passion and experience in regenerative agriculture. He has been a member of the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension Hemp research team since 2022. He is also the owner of Element Original & Western States Ag, bringing the first regenerative/organic hay certifications to the Silver State. In addition to farming, studying hemp, and immersing himself in regenerative agriculture, Joe has a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and enjoys a successful career as a corporate pilot.

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Impact & Promotion

Allison Moreno

Project Manager

Allison Moreno is a Project Manager with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and works directly with program leaders to manage grant-funded projects, document project evaluation and reporting, and create and build project partnerships. Moreno has financial and case management experience with the State of Nevada. Areas of expertise include grants management, reporting, budgeting, and financial management.

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Becky DeForest

Grant Writer - Extension

Becky DeForest is the Grant Writer with the University of Nevada, Reno under the Agricultural Risk Management Education Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications from California State University, Stanislaus, and brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit administration, revenue development, and strategic communications. Throughout her career, Becky has successfully secured and managed federal, state and private grants supporting initiatives in youth development, workforce training, public safety, natural resources and economic vitality. Her experience across multiple sectors has deepened her commitment to advancing agriculture - and those who steward the land — as key agents of economic, environmental, and social prosperity. Becky’s expertise includes grant writing and management, strategic planning, small business advocacy, marketing strategy and customer experience.

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Noah Scott

Digital Media Coordinator - Extension - Reno, NV

Noah Scott is the Digital Media Coordinator for the Agricultural Risk Management Education Program. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. During his time as a student, he led the marketing team behind popular student life programs like Pack Provisions and Pack Rides. With experience in strategic marketing, content creation and social media and website management, he has worked with various organizations, specializing in community and student-led marketing initiatives. His expertise includes digital strategy, graphic design, photography and analytics-driven content development to enhance brand engagement and outreach.

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