Willene Buffett is the Director of Cook County Extension. She has been with U of I Extension since 1992, most recently as the Unit Leader of Chicago. In her current role, she is responsible for managing an almost eight million dollar budget, and overseeing program development and evaluation, cost recovery efforts, and marketing for nearly 100 staff. She works in collaboration with local, county, and state officials to bring programming to the people of Cook County that will help to preserve the county's place in a global economy.

Ms. Buffett has been a recipient of the Outstanding/Innovative Team Award and the Early Career Award from ESP/Alpha Nu Chapter, and has been a recipient of an Extension Unit Award. She has received the Community Empowerment Award from Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Chicago and has been recognized by Chicago Metropolitan National Council of Negro Women. In addition, Ms. Buffett has received recognition and letters of support from the Cook County Board President and other local and county elected officials.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Dietetics Administration and her master's degree in Education in curriculum administration.