NATCHEZ — The results of November’s local and state elections brought more than a bit of uncertainty to the Adams County Extension Office, but as two of its key employees embark on new jobs as politicians, the office won’t see a sweeping change.

Melanie Sojourner, 4-H livestock agent, will have to quit her day job in January when she takes office as a state senator.

But Extension Office Director David Carter can keep his job as county agent and serve as an Adams County supervisor.

Sojourner said leaving her job as the livestock agent will be bittersweet.

But while Sojourner will not be serving Adams County as visibly from the field, she hopes her work in Jackson will have further reaching effects on programs like the one she has served for the past four years.

Sojourner, who defeated Sen. Bob Dearing in the race for the District 37 senate seat, said she was unsure during campaign season if winning the election meant she could keep her job at the Adams County Extension Center.

“I knew there was a pretty good chance I would not get to keep my job and serve for state senate as well,” Sojourner said.

And her recent inquiry to the ethics commission and lawyers from Mississippi State University — the university that runs local extension services — confirmed her suspicion.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Sojourner said about leaving her job for the senate spot.

“I grew up very involved in 4-H, and Mississippi State University has a tremendous program. I really believe in our mission and objective.”

Officials at the university and ethics commission concluded keeping her position, which is primarily funded through the state university, would be a conflict of interest.

“I will be with the university (extension service) through Jan. 2 and sworn into office Jan. 3,” Sojourner said.

Sojourner’s life without a day job will allow her to concentrate on other pursuits when the legislature is not in session.

She will work with her cattle operation and focus on her small business, Everyday Adventures. Everyday Adventures provides personal fitness training as well as guided outdoor adventures, Sojourner said.

“I’m a single working mom, and I’ve always been very passionate about my career,” she said.

But Sojourner said she is, and always has been, committed to public service.

“A lot of people put a lot of belief in my message and (while) campaigning I felt it was what I needed to do at this time,” she said.

“So I’ll walk away from my career and guaranteed salary to step into this role (as senator).”

Carter will keep his post as director of the Adams County Extension Service, but will be taken off the county payroll.

Stephen Dicke, head of the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, announced the decision to allow Carter to keep his post as director of the Adams County Extension Service during the Adams County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday morning.

The county pays only a small portion of his salary, Carter said.

Carter said he looks forward to continue serving as director of the extension service.

“I enjoy my job here,” Carter said. “There are people all over the state serving education positions, so it’s not extremely rare, but you can’t have dual appointment salary.”

Carter said it is fairly common for public officials to work in public education. For example, president of the board of supervisors, Darryl Grennell, is employed at Alcorn State University and Natchez Alderman Ernest “Tony” Fields is the assistant principal at Morgantown Elementary School.

Carter said once he takes office, he would resign as director of the Adams County recreation department and as a member of the Natchez-Adams County Recreation Commission.

He said he believed he could retain his position as vice president of the farm bureau, as a member of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce education committee and as the county coordinator for the Adams County Master Gardeners.

He said he is unsure if he will be able to remain a member of the Second Creek water commission.

Carter said he believes his community involvement with a number of boards and organization will benefit the board.