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Vacancy Announcement Executive Director, Association of Southern Region Extension Directors (ASRED)

News, Newsroom, Uncategorized

The Executive Director of ASRED provides administrative and staff level support for association business,  programs, and activities; facilitates programmatic cooperation and coordination among the member  states; and fosters the linkages, partnerships, and collaborative arrangements necessary to place the  member states in the strongest position possible to ensure success at the state, regional and national  levels. The Office of the Executive Director is charged with promoting the collaborative work of the  Southern Region Program Leadership Network as a mechanism to strengthen Extension programming on  a multi-state and regional level. In addition, the Executive Director devotes 25% FTE as a member of the  national Extension Director/Administrator team in support of the national work of ECOP and the  Cooperative Extension section of the APLU Board on Agriculture.  

General Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Provide direct staff support for the ASRED Chair and for committees, programs, and members of  ASRED as assigned. 
  • Coordinate regional, multi-state, and integrated programs and educational activities. Facilitate  the collection of data on the implementation and evaluation of multi-state programs within the  region. Make these data appropriately available for states to use in reporting against annual plans  of work. Tender regional reports to NIFA and others as appropriate.  
  • Actively pursue regional and multi-state programming and funding opportunities on behalf of the  member states, facilitate the development of proposals and support those proposals through the  funding process. 
  • Cooperate and collaborate as appropriate with experiment station directors, academic heads,  and 1890 administrators at both the regional and national level. 
  • Promote and facilitate the goals and objectives of ASRED through effective liaison among states  within the region, between the Southern Region and other Extension and experiment station  regions, with NIFA, and with a variety of other federal partners. 
  • Work cooperatively with the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors  (SAAESD) staff to coordinate programs and activities and to promote joint research/Extension  cooperation within the Southern Region.  
  • Serve as ASRED’s principal contact with the ECOP/CES Executive Director of Extension. Support  the office of the ECOP Executive Director of Extension and Outreach and the initiatives and  activities of ECOP as appropriate, devoting 25% FTE to national efforts. 
  • Support ECOP Chair when position is occupied by an Extension Director from the Southern  Region. 
  • Be responsible for all fiscal and personnel matters related to the office of the ASRED executive  director. 

Qualifications 

An earned doctoral degree in agricultural, human, life or educational sciences and successful  administrative experience are required. Successful leadership experience at a state Cooperative  Extension Service is highly desirable. Previous or current responsibilities involving appraisal of Extension  educational programs, budget development, human and fiscal resource allocation, administration of  personnel, and development of funding initiatives are important experiences. Comprehensive  understanding of the Cooperative Extension System and its relationships at the federal, state, and county  levels and knowledge and understanding of the broad land-grant mission with particular emphasis on the  role and function of the Cooperative Extension System are preferred. The abilities to plan, organize,  budget, motivate, solve problems, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences and  constituencies in support of the goals of ASRED are essential. Effective use of information technology in 

the delivery of educational programming and in the work of the ASRED is essential. Knowledge of southern  region Cooperative Extension efforts is desirable. 

Salary and Conditions of Employment 

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position of  Executive Director is a full-time, 12-month position. 

Location 

Location of the successful candidate is negotiable. Travel will be required to participate in regional and  national activities.  

To Apply 

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a suitable applicant is identified; review of  applications will begin April 12, 2024. Applicants should submit a letter of intent; curriculum vitae; and  the names and contact information of five (5) references to: 

  

Executive Director Search 

c/o Rick Avery, Director 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 

asredsearch@ag.tamu.edu 

979-314-8202

March 2, 2024/by Aaron Weibe
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Celebrating Black History in Agriculture & Extension: Stories from the Field

Content, Extension, Food Systems, Impact, Innovation, News, Success Stories

For Black History Month, we’re shining a light on the achievements of Black leaders who have shaped Extension work in food, farming, and health. Dive into our curated collection of resources and learn more about their valuable contributions to agriculture, Extension and below.

Stories from Cooperative Extension

  • In honor of Black History month, Cornell Cooperative Extension shares the contributions of Black individuals who helped to set the standards for Cooperative Extension. Tuskegee University was the first Cooperative Extension program in the United States.Thomas Monroe Campbell was the first Extension agent employed by a Cooperative Extension program. This article focuses on Mr. Campbell’s notable contributions to Extension. In the piece, he is described as a trailblazer and pioneer, with a legacy of innovation, education, and community outreach that set a standard the nationwide Cooperative Extension system uses today. Explore the legacy of Thomas Monroe Campbell.

Stories from the USDA

  • During Black History Month, Black Seeds Urban Farm in Memphis Tennessee celebrates its rich agricultural heritage by providing local organic produce to communities with limited access to fresh food. Founders Bobby and Derravia Rich  view themselves as custodians of sustainable foods that are ingrained in Black culture. Black Seeds not only provides healthy foods but honors their ancestors by growing traditional crops like greens, okra, and pecans, highlighting the essential role these foods have played in nourishing communities over the years. The farm hosts educational events and workshops, communal gatherings, and provides a space for relaxation and meditation for its community members. Read more about here about Black Seeds Urban Farm 
  • Walter Brooks Jr. runs Brooksmade Gourment Foods in Atlanta, specializing in clean label condiments, sauces, and rubs. These products reflect his commitment to quality and sustainability and passion for culinary arts. Through trade shows and partnerships, Brooksmade has expanded globally. For Black History Month, Mr. Brooks will prepare a diplomatic dinner at the U.S consulate in Dubai highlighting the contributions of Black agriculturalists to food culture and systems. Walter mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates for black-owned agriculture products in the global marketplace to showcase the community’s contributions.
    Read more here: Soulful Food and Sauces: Through USDA Programs, A Black Agribusiness Owner Rises Internationally 

Stories from the Extension Foundation

  • Florida’s Black legacy is promoted and celebrated by Florida A&M  Extension through its “NorthStar Legacy Communities” initiative. These communities –  beacons of cultural and economic stability since Emancipation -stand as a testament to sustainability and the preservation of Black heritage. Dive into the vibrant history of these communities via the Program Center Stage Webinar. 
  • In this piece, contributed to Extension Foundation’s Connect Extension platform by Central State Extension, readers will learn about that institution’s first official 4-H program in partnership with  Dayton Urban Riding Center. The article shares the important history of Black equestrians, and why providing opportunities to youth of color to engage in that activity is critical. “Youth of color who reside in urban areas don’t have opportunities to see black riders, let alone opportunities to become one. For them, an equestrian culture does not exist. This partnership changes all that.” Read the full story here. 

Conclusion

In this month of reflection and celebration, we honor the contributions of Black farmers, advocates, and communities. Their stories inspire us to forge a more inclusive and equitable future for all in Extension and agriculture.

February 27, 2024/by mpugsley
https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb24SMK_BlackHistoryMonth_SquareSocial.jpeg 1080 1080 mpugsley https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Extension-Foundation-Logo-padded.png mpugsley2024-02-27 20:46:172024-02-27 20:46:47Celebrating Black History in Agriculture & Extension: Stories from the Field

Empower Your Team with the Healthy Teams Handbook: Build and Maintain High-Performing Collaborations

Impact, News, Publications, Success Stories

Take your teamwork to the next level with the Healthy Teams Handbook! This guide, developed by Extension Foundation’s leadership development specialist Karl Bradley, offers practical strategies and insights to build and maintain high-performing collaborative teams. Originally crafted to support New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) project teams, this updated handbook is now available to help all Extension professionals.

Unlock the Secrets of Success

The Healthy Teams Handbook is designed to complement the Team Health Dashboard. The Team Health Dashboard is a research-backed tool, based on Google’s Project Aristotle. It evaluates five key aspects (“conditions”) that are essential for effective team performance: 

  • Psychological Safety: Feeling comfortable sharing ideas and opinions without fear of judgment.
  • Dependability: Meeting commitments and holding one another accountable.
  • Structure & Clarity: Having clear roles, goals, and expectations.
  • Meaning: Understanding the importance and impact of your work.
  • Impact: Knowing that your work makes a difference.

The Healthy Teams Dashboard showcases team health survey results in order to assess and monitor your team’s well-being. 

Assess, Interpret, and Improve

The Healthy Teams Handbook equips teams with tools and strategies to actively improve each of the five conditions. Gain actionable insights, access real-life success stories, and explore inspiring leadership topics to truly empower your team.

About NTAE

The Healthy Teams Handbook is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension (funding opportunity no. USDA-NIFA-OP-010186), grant no. 2023-41595-41325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Extension Foundation. Discover more about NTAE-supported work and find additional resources in the 2022-2023 NTAE Yearbook and in the Extension Foundation’s publications library.

Ready to build a stronger, more effective team?

  • Take the Team Health Survey
  • Download the Healthy Teams Handbook
  • Explore the NTAE program 

Healthy teams have more impact! Empower your team today! 

February 20, 2024/by Aaron Weibe
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Empowering Latino Families: The Journey of ¡Salir Adelante! Pathways for Our Future – Join Our Webinar to Learn More!

Events, News, Success Stories
Read more
February 14, 2024/by mpugsley
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Extension Professionals Unite at Historic Climate Action Convening

Events, Impact, News, Success Stories

“The Extension system is a catalyst for climate science by helping people adopt practical applications for climate actions for their farms, families, communities, and businesses. This convening demonstrated those strengths at every turn, bringing together Extension professionals from every region, from every type of Land-grant university: 1862, 1892, and 1994 institutions, and from all career stages (faculty to county educators/agents). Through individual brainstorming, group discussions, and action planning, participants at the Climate Action Convening identified specific outcomes they will work to deliver, along with the inputs, outputs, and actions needed to achieve those bold promises. 

With their deep community connections, Extension professionals understand how the power of human-centered collaboration – underpinned with research-based approaches to deliver practical everyday applications – help people adapt, mitigate, and build resilience to a changing climate, allowing individuals organizations, and communities to thrive.”

                                        – Dr. Jason Henderson, Climate PAT Co-Chair

 

As an atmospheric river intensified by climate change bore down on the West Coast, more than 40 Extension professionals from across the U.S. and outlying territories gathered in Tucson, Arizona for Cooperative Extension’s first national Climate Action Convening. 

A central question guiding the gathering was: “How can we mobilize the U.S. Cooperative Extension system to quickly and effectively contribute to climate change solutions?

Hosted by the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy’s Climate Program Action Team (Climate PAT), the event’s primary objectives were to:

  • Gather and strengthen the network of climate-focused leaders in Cooperative Extension,
  • Formulate a climate action plan that will empower Extension, and
  • Provide CES with direction to seek funding to develop climate change programs. 

The Climate Action Convening was a coordinated effort between Climate PAT leadership team members, with the Extension Foundation providing support. The planning team included Climate PAT Co-Chairs, Roy Beckford (University of Vermont) and Jason Henderson (Iowa State University), Sylvie Brouder (Purdue University), Laura Edwards (South Dakota State University), Ros McCann (Utah State University), and Carrie McKillip (University of Illinois). This convening was supported through a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program award number 2024-67019-41467, Foundational and Applied Science Program 2023-08732. Iowa State University Extension provided additional funding through a generous sponsorship. 

The gathering brought together individuals from 1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions and leaders from the USDA. Through focused conversations, participants identified opportunities in three areas where Extension is uniquely suited to deliver climate change adaptation and mitigation solutions: communities, natural resources, and working lands. 

Virtual Pre-Conference Events and Responsive Planning Created a Successful In-Person Gathering

The planning committee held two virtual events before the convening, featuring presentations from climate change experts and grounding discussions designed to orient attendees to the purpose and desired outcomes. Participants shared their goals for the convening, which enabled organizers to optimize the event to deliver on those objectives. 

At the in-person event, participants broke into groups focused on communities, natural resources, and working lands. Facilitators guided attendees through activities designed to capture co-created insights and identify areas of opportunity.

Using Insights and Feedback to Create a Climate Action Plan

Using insights gathered at the Climate Action Convening, Extension Foundation and collaborators will co-create a series of logic models. These logic models will be incorporated into a white paper about the outcomes Extension believes it is best positioned to achieve through active and new climate programs, projects, and resources. The anticipated release date for the white paper is Spring 2024.

The white paper will be accompanied by a communications plan that answers this question: “How might Extension best communicate about its climate change vision – specifically, the ways in which Extension can be a solution – both internally and externally?”  The communications plan will include a combination of key messages, processes, and strategies. The materials are being drafted by Nate Birt, the 2024 Climate PAT Fellow. Birt shared, “It is encouraging and exciting to see leaders across Extension coming together for climate action by co-creating key outcomes they can work toward. Extension has unparalleled scientific, outreach, and engagement expertise and a proven track record of multi-stakeholder collaboration and measurable positive impact.”

Finally, a distribution strategy will articulate intended processes for soliciting feedback on the white paper and the communications plan. This will ensure that Extension professionals – those who attended the convening, and many who did not – are able to quickly begin making progress toward the outcomes identified in the white paper. 

Future convenings are envisioned to maintain and build momentum. They will bring Extension professionals together to assess progress, identify opportunities, and communicate to USDA and other key partners and funders about the work underway and the impact it is having. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Regan Emmons, Climate Partnership and Development Assistant, at climatepat@extension.org

Key Takeaways

There was consensus that this moment represents a key window of opportunity for Extension to make climate impact and to secure significant investment to advance these outcomes. Collectively, participants identified nine climate change outcomes that they feel the overall system is best positioned to work toward. 

One participant noted: 

“This was a historical convening as it included representatives from the 1860s, 1890s, and 1994s PLUS key leaders from USDA. These key leaders – Bill [Hohenstien], Kevin [Kephart], Lynne [Knight], and Adam [Wilke] – not only presented but remained throughout the convening and actively participated in the ideation and group discussions.

The planning committee and Extension Foundation did an exceptional job taking this enormous task and developing a format that required individual participation and “presence.” These individuals also set the tone for respectful sharing of ideas and concerns, and facilitated the groups with patience and focus on the outcomes. A superb job by all involved! Thank you for making this happen and for your leadership on our next steps.”

 

Another participant said,

“I went in with few expectations but many hopes. I think the planning committee did an excellent job of guiding the conversations, with emphasis on the overall conversation. My primary hope was that we could find enough agreement to move forward with the findings of the convening. I believe we did and will.”

 

Dive Deeper

The Climate PAT has developed a suggested reading list, which was shared with Climate Action Convening participants. Click the links below to learn more.

  • Climate Change Roadmap, Colorado State University. Pg. 5 – Executive summary, Pg. 19-39 – Cross-Cutting Themes & Exemplar Climate Change Insights, Pg. 40 – Summary & Conclusion.
  • USDA Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026, Pg. 7-12 – Strategic Goal 1 – Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources, and Communities.
  • USDA Science and Research Strategy 2023 – 2026, Pg. 23-28 Priority 2: Driving Climate-Smart Solutions.
  • NIFA 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, Pg. 7 Strategic Objective 1; Other strategic objectives are cross-cutting and we recommend becoming familiar with them.
  • 5th National Climate Assessment, Overview, National Topics (Pick 2-3), Regions – Review your regional chapter; Responses (Adaptation and Mitigation).
  • Project Drawdown Solutions 
  • National Academies – Accelerating Decarbonization in the United States,  Executive Summary; Other chapters of your choice, such as Energy and Equity, Land Use, etc.

 

Related Reading:

The Extension Foundation suggests these titles from its Publications Library:

  • Extension Climate and Extreme Weather Programming: Successes, Challenges and Opportunities – Report
  • The Resilient Agriculture: Weather Ready Farms 
February 14, 2024/by Aaron Weibe
https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_7209.jpg 874 1753 Aaron Weibe https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Extension-Foundation-Logo-padded.png Aaron Weibe2024-02-14 16:52:202024-02-20 16:10:50Extension Professionals Unite at Historic Climate Action Convening

EXCITE Year 2 Report Highlights: A Nationwide Success in Immunization Engagement

Impact, News, Success Stories

In its second year, the Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) project—a joint initiative between the CDC and Cooperative Extension—reached major milestones. It successfully concluded two projects and developed a science communication toolkit to assist Extension professionals in immunization education. Facilitated through partnerships with USDA-NIFA, CDC, and the Extension Foundation, the program effectively mobilized the Extension system to address a nationwide need.

In the first two years the EXCITE projects successfully reached 19,586,347 individuals through 178,228 diverse engagement activities, as depicted below. In collaboration with partners, 1,024 vaccination clinics administered 26,023 vaccines, playing a crucial role in the program’s overall success.


Brain Science informs Communication Toolkit

 


Neuromarketing, rooted in brain science, is a powerful tool for Extension professionals in achieving communication goals. This scientific approach leverages insights into how the human brain processes information, enabling communicators to design content that aligns with cognitive responses.

For the EXCITE project, Washington State University utilized this approach to create the “Getting to the Heart and Mind of the Matter” Communication Toolkit, addressing vaccination education needs. This toolkit, accompanied by video modules, empowers Extension professionals to engage as trusted messengers of informed vaccination communication within their communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s Next:
EXCITE received a significant boost this year, securing an additional $7,552,500 from the CDC. This funding spurred the creation of new projects, extending the program’s reach to encompass all adult immunizations.

For a more detailed insight into EXCITE accomplishments and future endeavors, we encourage you to delve into the full Year 2 report. The report not only showcases the program’s successes, but also provides valuable insights into the strategies employed and lessons learned.

Read the report here.

 

January 30, 2024/by mpugsley
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Unlock the Power of Game-Based Learning with New Mexico State Learning Games Lab – Register Now for Our Exclusive Webinar

Events, Impact, News, Success Stories

Research highlights the efficacy of game-based learning in educating youth. A team at New Mexico State University’s Learning Games Lab is applying that research, using their expertise in game-based learning to make food safety education exciting for the next generation of food handlers and enthusiasts.

Youth prepare food for themselves and their families and may have careers in the food industry. It’s important that they learn about safe food handling, cooking, storage, and when food is unsafe. Cue Theme Park Kitchen, an interactive online learning game designed to captivate and educate youth about food safety practices. Players can engage in different themed kitchens to serve delicious and safe meals to customers. It’s a redesign of “Ninja Kitchen,” launched in 2011 to teach kids food handling skills. The game’s designers focused on improving the game’s cultural sensitivity, working with youth to create a more inclusive reboot. The team’s work was supported by the New Technologies for Ag Extension program.

Sign up to attend an upcoming webinar where team members will share strategies about using gamification in education. It’s slated for Wednesday January 31st from 12-1 p.m. EST.  This exciting one-hour event will explore how gameplay fosters behavior change, and how the Learning Games Lab created Theme Park Kitchen using inclusive design for learning. Team members will share ways that educators and Extension professionals can use the game in formal and informal educational settings. Participants will also have an opportunity to test the game for their own use.

To learn more about the project, read this feature story about the team’s work. You can also take a deeper dive into the project’s specifics by reading a publication written about by the team: Teaching Youth Food Safety: A Game-Based Experience, available in the Extension Foundation’s library.

January 24, 2024/by Aaron Weibe
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REAL LEADERS®️ Unveils Its Top Impact Companies List of 2024 -Extension Foundation to be honored at Global Celebration on February 6th

News, Newsroom

Contacts

  • Madelyn Dwyer, Member Impact Manager, Real Leaders Madelyn@Real-Leaders.com
  • Aaron Weibe, Communications & Engagement Manager, Extension Foundation aaronweibe@extension.org

(Kansas City, Missouri) – (January 17, 2024) — In its sixth year, Real Leaders®, a Global Media, CEO network, and Certified B Corp, dedicated to inspiring the future of business, is thrilled to announce the 2024 Top Impact Companies. With over 500 applications from 15+ countries, the awards ranked privately-owned companies by asking 30 questions within 6 categories of I.M.P.A.C.T (Intention, Model, People, Accountability, Collaboration, and Transformation) to vet and rank companies based on those parameters. 

In addition to the new I.M.P.A.C.T categories, the awards debuted five new awards such as Most Valuable Mission, Most Innovative Model, Most Impactful People, Best Collaboration, and Most Transparent.

“After five successful years of producing the go-to list of the ‘Top Impact Companies’ it was time for Real Leaders to expand its mission by growing an impact awards community that preserves its integrity while scaling its impact,” said Kevin Edwards, Real Leaders’ General Manager.

The 2024 list features a mix of respected impact brands of all sizes and from a variety of industries with companies such as Brandless, Generate Capital, Cotopaxi, and Every Man Jack. SEE IMPACT AWARDS RANKING.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a Top Impact Company by Real Leaders®  among many other values-aligned companies,” said Beverly Coberly, Chief Executive Officer of the Extension Foundation. “Our long-term focus on supporting and serving the U.S. Cooperative Extension System has been a huge part of achieving this award”.

A special “Real Leaders UNITE” awards celebration will be held in San Diego on February 6, 2024, to honor the winners.

ABOUT REAL LEADERS

Real Leaders is the fastest-growing community for impact leaders backed by a global media platform dedicated to driving positive change. Founded in 2010, Real Leaders recognized and advocated that businesses take more responsibility to be as cognizant of their impact on employees, society, and the planet as they are on their bottom line. Real Leaders is an independently owned certified B Corporation and member of the UN Global Compact. Our mission is to unite farsighted leaders to transform our shortsighted world.

LinkedIn: Real Leaders

Instagram: @Real_Leaders

Twitter: @Real_Leaders

Facebook: @RealLeadersMagazine

Hashtag: #RealLeadersImpactAwards #TopImpactCompanies

ABOUT EXTENSION FOUNDATION

The Extension Foundation is a nonprofit established by Extension Directors and Administrators nationwide. The Extension Foundation is embedded in the U.S. Cooperative Extension System and serves on the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP). Our mission is to help Cooperative Extension generate a more visible, measurable, local impact.

LinkedIn: Extension Foundation

Twitter/X: @ExtFoundation

Facebook: @ExtensionFoundation

January 18, 2024/by Aaron Weibe
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Extension Foundation Selects Ashley Griffin as New Chief Operating Officer

News, Newsroom
Ashley Griffin, Chief Operating Officer, Extension Foundation

Ashley Griffin, Chief Operating Officer, Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Search Committee, led by Dr. Scott Reed, advertised an application for a new Chief Operating Officer beginning in November, 2023. As a result of this search, the Extension Foundation has selected Ashley Griffin as its new Chief Operating Officer effective January 1st, 2024. Griffin has served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer for the past 12 months.

Griffin’s career with Cooperative Extension began in 1996 at the University of Kentucky as an Extension Associate for Equine Youth Activities. From 2002-2005, Griffin served as a Communications Specialist for the University of Kentucky, Agricultural Communications Services, Creative Applications for Learning Environments Lab (CALE). In 2005, Griffin became the Content Design Leader for what was then called the National eXtension Initiative. This included leading the start-up, planning, and maintenance of national Communities of Practice “best-of-the-best” content in their subject areas and training communities on using and managing eXtension’s legacy tools and systems. In 2011, Griffin became a Community Engagement Consultant for the eXtension Foundation serving as the primary contact for over 5,500 university faculty and Extension educators participating in over 100 Communities of Practice and Learning Networks from 75 Land-grant universities in the United States. 

Griffin then served as the Extension Foundation’s Program Manager from 2017-2022. Her leadership in this role included leading the Extension Foundation’s evaluation and reporting efforts, developing toolkits and playbooks for clients and partners engaged in Extension Foundation programs, and playing a leading role in the Extension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative program managing a network of 107 trained Innovation Facilitators and delivering professional development events for 211 local and national project teams for over 3000 Extension professionals. 

During her 12 months in the Interim Chief Operating Officer role, Griffin oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Extension Foundation, coordinating efforts across various Team Leaders and staff/contractors that support the Foundation’s grants and national programs. Additionally, she played a key role in strengthening the Extension Foundation’s Human Resource services and support for staff while developing operational processes to scale the staff and contractor pool for new grant awards. Additionally, she continued to lead the Extension Foundation’s Publications team to guide the direction and delivery of sharing impactful works with over 50 publications and reports published to date. 

As the Chief Operating Operation Officer, Griffin will be responsible for the daily operations of the Extension Foundation to include talent acquisition and onboarding, personnel, grant development and administration, supporting the development and implementation of a strategic plan, and overall leadership for the internal operations of the Extension Foundation.

According to Griffin, “I’ve had the good fortune to be part of this wonderful organization for nearly two decades, which started as a grant-funded initiative known as the National eXtension Initiative back in 2005, and has grown into the operating Foundation that it is today. I’m excited about the future of this organization and what its dedicated team of professionals can do for the Cooperative Extension System, and I look forward to continuing to deliver on our commitment to our partners across the system to help make a greater impact at the local level.”

December 18, 2023/by Aaron Weibe
https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Extension-Foundation-Logo-padded.png 0 0 Aaron Weibe https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Extension-Foundation-Logo-padded.png Aaron Weibe2023-12-18 16:48:482023-12-18 16:48:48Extension Foundation Selects Ashley Griffin as New Chief Operating Officer

New Publication Available: Teaching Youth Food Safety – A Game-Based Approach

News, Publications

The Extension Foundation (EXF) has issued Teaching Youth Food Safety: A Game-Based Experience, a publication written by a team from the New Mexico State University Learning Games Lab. 

The publication details how the team is addressing food safety through game-based learning. Their ideas ties into research that indicates youth prefer to learn about food safety topics through interactive educational tools. The publication details how the team developed “Theme Park Cafe”, a food safety game for youth. In the game, players engage in different themed kitchens to serve delicious and safe meals to clients. It’s a redesign of “Ninja Kitchen,” launched in 2011 to teach kids food handling skills. In this publication, the game designers talk about increasing the game’s cultural sensitivity, working with kids to create the reboot, and other elements of using gamification to teach educational content. 

This new game, one of several food-related projects funded by the New Technologies in Ag Extension (NTAE) 2022-2023 grant program, is part of a growing trend in Extension: using multimedia products to educate and engage diverse audiences. 

The authors of the publication are: Barbara Chamberlin, PhD; Matheus Cezarotto, PhD; and Pamela Martinez, Ed.D, all from New Mexico State University.

This publication was produced through the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) program. NTAE is a cooperative agreement between USDA NIFA, Oklahoma State University, and the Extension Foundation. The goal of the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) grant is to incubate, accelerate, and expand promising work that will increase the impact of the Cooperative Extension System (CES) in the communities it serves, and provide models that can be adopted or adapted by Extension teams across the nation.

You can learn more about the team’s work in this recent feature article – Leveling Up – published in October 2023. The team also wrote about an alternative to full game design – the game jam process – in an earlier publication. You can access that publication here.

The Extension Foundation has released two dozen publications this fall, including the 2022-2023 NTAE Yearbook, which presents the work of dozens of Extension project teams from across the U.S. in a lively magazine format. You can find the entire library of publications (now numbering nearly five dozen) here.

December 14, 2023/by Aaron Weibe
https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Extension-Foundation-Logo-padded.png 0 0 Aaron Weibe https://extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Extension-Foundation-Logo-padded.png Aaron Weibe2023-12-14 18:43:352023-12-14 18:45:10New Publication Available: Teaching Youth Food Safety – A Game-Based Approach
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