MSU Extension hires associate director and Weatherization Training Center director

MSU News Service

BOZEMAN - Montana State University has announced the hiring of Suzanne Stluka as the associate director of MSU Extension and Chris Dorsi as the director of the Weatherization Training Center.

Both Stluka and Dorsi began work July 1.

As associate director, Stluka will help oversee an educational network that stretches into 54 Montana counties and all seven Native American reservations in the state. Extension applies unbiased, research-based university resources to meet practical needs identified by Montanans in their communities. Stluka was chosen after a national search conducted by a seven-member committee chaired by Sandy Bailey, MSU Extension Family and Human Development specialist.

Since 2011, Stluka worked for South Dakota State University Extension as the Food and Families Program leader. She also coordinated the Nutrition Education Program and provided oversight to Extension American Indian Tribal programs. Stluka holds a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in human sciences with a specialization in nutrition and is also licensed as a registered dietitian.

Prior to his hiring, Dorsi developed best practices in the housing industry for 40 years, authored textbooks and technical curriculum, developed training programs and operated private construction organizations. He is the co-author of the books "Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings" and "The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency." Dorsi is also the founder of Habitat X, a national professional development platform.

The Montana Weatherization Training Center, which is located in Bozeman, provides training and technical assistance to the housing industry. It offers courses for field technicians, business owners and program managers on topics of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and health and safety.