Doug Harlan is the County Extension Directorfor University of Illinois Extension Macon County Unit. After spending 11 years as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army, Harlan began his Extension career in 1994 as the Director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Community and Economic Development Educator in Decatur, Illinois. He is the former County Extension Director for the Moultrie-Douglas Extension Unit in Arthur, IL. Harlan held that position from October 2001 until February 2006. Harlan accepted his present position in March 2006. He is currently serving in an active US Army Reserve Unit and returned in February 2006 from his second year-long deployment to Kuwait and Iraq.

He received his Bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University in 1983 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois in 2000. Harlan is a 2002 Graduate of the National Extension Leadership Development Program (NELD). He is an active member and past president of the Illinois Small Business Development Association. Harlan is a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi and the IllinoisAssociation of Community Development Extension Professionals. Harlan's professional certifications include Certified Small Business Specialist, Illinois Small Business Development Association and Associate Contracting Assistance Specialist, Association of Government Marketing Assistance Specialists.

He is married to Pam (Snider) Harlan. They have two children, Jennifer, age 20, and Jordan, age 10.