Nate PetersonApril 13 – Congratulations to Natriez “Nate” Peterson on his promotion from Extension Agent to Extension Program Specialist. Mr. Natriez joined Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program in 2017 as the Community and Economic Development (CED) Agent. As an agent, he was responsible for implementing, developing, and evaluating innovative educational programs that focused on small business development, agri-business, government contracting, home-ownership, and youth entrepreneurship for limited-resource individuals and communities throughout Harris County.

Since 2017, Mr. Natriez Peterson’s flagship 9-weeks Businesses In Development (B.I.D.) Academy, Art of Homeownership, E-commerce for Online Markets, YEP4Sucess (Youth Entrepreneurship Program), and The Art of the Startup Programs in Harris County trained and impacted over 36 minority-owned businesses, 100 youth entrepreneurs, and 54 aspiring homeowners. His passion and expertise have resulted in the submission of $639,800 with state agencies, $515,000 home and business loan applications, 45 workshops completed, and over 100 hours of technical assistance. He has strategically built partnerships with H-E-B, American First National Bank, Amegy Bank, Chase, Home Depot, other corporate entities, and business leaders to support the land-grant mission and C.E.D. programs annually through volunteer hours, sponsorships, supplies, and in-kind donations in the amount of $31,000. Before landing in Texas, Nate served two years as a Community Resource Development Agent for Mississippi State University Extension. Peterson’s experience and leadership in serving Harris County through partnerships, innovative initiatives, and programs will be instrumental in his new role.

Other Accomplishments

  • Certified Freddie Mac Credit Smart Instructor
  • Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) in Progress
  • Member of National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals Member of Texas Alpha Zeta Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi
  • Member of Houston Male Empowerment Coalition
  • Member of Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Connection Crew eXtension Impact Collaborative Summit Pitch Fest Winner & Grant Recipient Houston Food Production Conference – Business Plan Presenter

Source: “New CED Specialist Natriez “Nate” Peterson.” The CEP Headlines. Mar 2020, Vol. 3. pg. 4.