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A Note from David Civittolo

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great holiday season and are as eager to get back into the swing of things as I am.

We began 2025 with a few more leadership changes (see below if you missed the Jan. 2 email). We are also starting the new year with a review of two of our units – Extension Publishing and South Centers. Earlier this week, you received an email asking for input on both units that will be used to make sure the units are strategically aligned to meet the needs of Extension professionals and our clients in the future.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Extension Administration Communication Preference Survey! We’ll share an overview of the results soon and will use the feedback to guide our strategic communication plans for 2025.

Hope you’re all staying warm and well, David
OSU Extension Update - 2024 achievements, leadership changes, and other info
– originally shared by David Civittolo via email on Jan. 2, 2025

As we begin the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements in 2024. From our statewide drought response and support to providing dairy producers with crucial guidance on the impact of avian influenza on their herds, we’ve had a meaningful impact on the livelihood of Ohioans last year. We’ve also made significant strides in farm stress and mental health first aid research—though there’s still much more to be done. Additionally, our statewide homebuyer education counseling played a key role in helping the Ohio Housing Finance Agency reach residents in all 88 counties throughout Ohio.

Many thanks to all of you – from support staff to state specialists – who played a role in helping us serve the education and information needs related to these topics, and countless others, in communities across the state. Our collective effort and unwavering commitment to every Ohio community has truly made a difference in the lives of many.

As we prepare for another impactful year, I am writing to announce several key changes and updates for our system. With progress comes change, and I anticipate that we will continue to experience more of the same.

LEADERSHIP CHANGES
As we continue to develop a future state of OSU Extension, there are several key leadership changes needed to allow us to keep moving forward while sustaining the necessary work we do each day. The following changes will be effective immediately:
1. Jeff McCutcheon will be the interim state 4-H leader. Jeff has provided genuine leadership in his current position as director of Extension Operations, and I look forward to him working in this program leader position. As a former county educator and regional director, Jeff has the leadership skills to guide the 4-H program through this transition. I have empowered Jeff to make decisions based on what is most beneficial for the program as a whole. Jeff will remain in the 4-H leadership role until a new permanent leader is appointed. As I shared before the holiday, the Ohio 4-H program leader search committee is working on updating the position description, and the job opportunity will be posted later this month.
1. To fill Jeff’s role as director of Operations, Megan Arnold and Lindsey Latscha will be acting co-directors of Operations while remaining in their current roles as area leaders. I have worked closely with Megan and Lindsey, and I look forward to having their skills on the Operations team.
1. As also previously shared, Jane Wright, the assistant director of Extension Publishing, retired earlier this week. Congratulations again to Jane on reaching this career milestone, and we wish her all the best in retirement. Cheryl Buck will now lead the Extension Publishing unit as the interim assistant director. Cheryl will also remain in her current role as Extension communications manager. Annie Steel, project manager with the Publishing unit, will also continue handling some extra responsibilities and will work closely with Cheryl to ensure a smooth process as the team starts a very busy time of year.
OTHER UPDATES
I want to reiterate that the search committee for the Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader has met and is currently reviewing the position description, with the goal of having the position posted later this month.

Occasionally, I receive inquiries about Extension leadership and the members of the Extension Administrative Cabinet. The latest organizational chart for OSU Extension available here, which includes the changes outlined above and identifies the Cabinet members.

MOVING FORWARD IN 2025
Much like in 2024, change in 2025 is inevitable. The start of a new year provides a good time to remind ourselves about the importance of the university’s Shared Values and the expectation that we maintain professionalism and civility as Extension professionals. What does this mean? For me, it includes the following:
- We follow and adhere to our Keys – Trust, Inclusion, Care, Adaptability, and Efficiency. These aren’t just words on a piece of paper, but they are guides for how we act and interact with one another, our partners, and our clientele.
- We conduct ourselves as professionals by being productive, taking initiative, and maintaining effective work habits. We strive to develop a professional image, communicate clearly, build positive relationships, be strong teammates, and demonstrate effective communication skills.
- We are energy givers, not energy takers. While it’s easy to approach difficult situations with negativity, I challenge each of you to reflect on whether you're contributing positively to finding a solution or unintentionally making the situation harder by lacking positive energy.
- We approach the work we do with the ‘I get to’ mindset that Alex Sheen shared at our conference last month versus an ‘I have to’ mindset.
I am genuinely excited for what 2025 holds for us. While we will face both successes and challenges as an organization, I am confident in our ability to navigate them together. I am also eager to see how we continue to advance the land-grant mission that unites all of our work as Extension professionals.
Note from David Civittolo

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving break. It was wonderful to step away from work for a few days and spend quality time with my family. I hope you were able to do the same. Now that December is here, it's conference time!

I am truly excited to connect with many of you face-to-face next week at the Extension Conference. I hope it will be a time for all of us to expand our networks within our organization, learn from our colleagues, and plan robust community programming for 2025.

Thank you in advance to all of the Extension Conference planning committee members for their diligence in organizing this year's event. I'm also grateful to the more than 500 of you who have registered for this two-day conference. I understand the commitment it takes to step away from your office and home life for 48 hours, but I believe it's incredibly beneficial for us to gather in person for this outstanding professional development opportunity.

See you next week, David
Note from David Civittolo

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving next week and spending some extra time with family and friends. I hope you are able to do the same and take some time for yourself as well. It’s been a very busy year, and the next few weeks promise to be full of activities as well.

I’m also looking forward to seeing you at the Extension Conference in less than three weeks now. Remember to register by this coming Monday, Nov. 25 to avoid late registration fees. Additional details are outlined in the Annual Conference section below. More than 450 of our colleagues are already registered to attend; and this will be an excellent opportunity to see old friends, make new ones, compare notes, learn new things, and really connect with Extension and CFAES professionals from around the state.

Many thanks again to our 4-H professionals who participated in the 4-H focus groups this week. The purpose was to gather insight on how the state 4-H office can best support county operations, as well as learn about some key skills, traits, and experiences to consider for the next assistant director for Ohio 4-H Youth Development. Kim Winslow, CFAES priority projects and corporate relations specialist – and 4-H focus group moderator, tells me that we have heard a lot of helpful feedback and constructive suggestions to help us move the 4-H program forward. She will be compiling a report that summarizes the main themes heard during the conversations and examples of positive solutions to address needs throughout the Ohio 4-H program.
Note from David Civittolo

While many programs and workshops are winding down for the year, this is an extraordinarily busy time of year for others. It’s Income Tax School time for the Farm Office team, and many of you are working out details for winter conferences, pesticide recertification trainings, Dining with Diabetes workshops, and Master Gardener Volunteer training programs. November and December also seem to be popular months for in-services. I appreciate the time many of you invest in planning these learning opportunities for your colleagues by way of in-services, they definitely strengthen our statewide resource team.

I want to remind you that today is the final day for early-bird registration for our Extension Conference. More details are outlined below (in the Annual Extension Conference section) and on the LOD website.

Kindly, David
Note from David Civittolo

It's hard to believe that November is just around the corner. Our colleagues in Learning and Organizational Development, along with the planning committee, have been diligently and intentionally preparing for the Extension Conference on Dec. 10-11. Here are a few reminders about the conference.

First, I genuinely want to see all of you there. Our biennial gatherings are a rare and invaluable opportunity for us to come together as a community. I understand that stepping away from the office and home life can be a challenge, but the benefits of attending are immeasurable. These conferences allow us to learn from each other’s experiences, share best practices, and gain new insights that can enhance our work. Networking with colleagues from different parts of the state and disciplines fosters collaboration and innovation, strengthens our connections, and reinforces our shared mission.

Secondly, I want to make sure to communicate that it is acceptable to close county and state offices for this professional development opportunity. My only ask is that you communicate your plans for closure with those you serve in a timely manner.

Lastly, conference registration is now open. Please visit the official Extension Conference website for all the details. If your county needs assistance paying for employees to attend the conference, contact Jeff McCutcheon, director of Operations. We really do want this to be an opportunity for all of us to gather.

Kindly, David
Extension Town Halls with Dean Kress and David Civittolo
A series of town halls with Dean Kress and David Civittolo will continue over the next few weeks. They will be held on the following dates:
- Oct. 31, 1-2 p.m. – faculty only
- Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Nov. 12, 1-2 p.m.
Information presented at each of the sessions will be the same. It is preferred that Extension faculty attend the session on Oct. 31. However, if this doesn’t work with your schedule, you're welcome to attend another session. Each session will be capped at 150 participants to allow for conversation. Zoom links will be sent to registrants before each meeting. To register for any of the three remaining meetings, click here.
Extension Organizational Chart and Leadership Team

In previous town hall discussions, there have been questions about Extension’s organizational chart and leadership team. Extension’s organizational chart can be found at this tab, and contact information for members of Extension’s Leadership Team can be found here

Note: If you’ve visited these web pages before, your web browser may have an older version of them saved in its memory. It is a good idea to clear cache/browsing data on computers regularly. If you’re unsure how to do this, a quick Google search will outline the steps for various devices.
Note from David Civittolo

It’s humbling to reflect on the relief and response efforts—both big and small—addressing the natural disasters affecting our state and nation. From ongoing drought response in Ohio to organizing community supply drives for hurricane victims in other states, your dedication to helping those in crisis is truly inspiring. Thank you for your efforts, support, and guidance for those facing immeasurable adversity.

It was great to connect with many of you during the director’s video update at the end of September. If you couldn’t join the live session, you can watch the recording here.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the Extension profession and to those who depend on us during challenging times.

Kindly, David
Note from David Civittolo

Over the past few weeks, many of you have been putting in extra hours. Whether it was for Farm Science Review, drought response and education, or helping in crisis situations, please know that your extra time invested in Extension’s mission is greatly appreciated. As we move into October, I hope we get some relief from the historic drought conditions experienced this summer and that agricultural producers, who have faced significant stress this growing season, have a safe harvest. Lastly, I truly hope all of you get some downtime this weekend to recoup and recharge.

Thanks for all you do, David
Director’s Video Update – Sept. 30

There will be a director’s video update on Sept. 30 (9 a.m.). Join David Civittolo and some of your Extension colleagues for an update on numerous Extension-related items and happenings via a Zoom webinar.
Lucente Named Acting Assistant Director, Community Development

Joe Lucente will begin serving Extension as the acting assistant director, community development, on Oct. 1, 2024. This appointment will be effective through June 30, 2025, or until David Civittolo returns to that role. Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in applied science, criminal justice/political science from Youngstown State University in 1994, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Akron in 1995. He currently serves as an associate professor and Extension educator with Ohio Sea Grant and community development. Joe’s programming and outreach focus on providing education and research in community and economic development, as well as strategic planning. He collaborates with various stakeholders in the Lake Erie watershed including local governments, non-profit organizations, private sector corporations, and members of the public. Additionally, he works with state and federal agencies through a combination of research, outreach, and education. Joe’s partnerships span academia, government, and the private sector – with a focus on the economy, society, and the environment.
Extension Management Structure Task Force Update

The committee had an opportunity recently to meet with Dr. Tracy Kitchel, CFAES senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs. Dr. Kitchel shared his thoughts about the complexity of the task and key points related to how management roles are situated within the university, Ohio State’s Career Roadmap structure, and Office of Academic Affairs guidelines. The CFAES Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP) also joined the conversation to provide clarity about HR questions from the committee members as they work toward a structure proposal.

Note: this update was shared via email on Sept. 13, 2024.
Note from David Civittolo

While county fair season starts to wind down, many of us are ramping up for Farm Science Review. There are usually around 100 Extension professionals at this iconic three-day farm show every day – sharing their knowledge, research, and expertise with more than 100,000 visitors. I look forward to seeing and talking to many of you at the Review.

A special thank you to Aaron Wilson for his drought response leadership over the past few weeks. From media requests to speaking engagements with commodity groups, we are so grateful for his much-needed expertise, insight, and advice through this worsening weather situation.

Kindly, David
Unique County Visits Around the State Continue this Summer

We are just about to wrap up the month of August, and I know it’s been a busy summer for everyone. As always, thank you to everyone for your dedication to the mission of Extension and conducting our work through a tremendous variety of activities over the past several months. There is no shortage of ways we can tell the story of Extension throughout the state; and I appreciate the heart, soul and pride that each of you bring to this organization

In addition to the Lake County and Lorain County visits by President Carter during his state tour in mid-July (read the recap from the last issue here), there have been several other unique “VIP” events at a few other Extension county offices recently.

On Aug. 9, the Highland County office of OSU Extension celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The commissioners in Highland County paid for the building, with significant input from the local Extension staff on the layout of the office. Discussions began in summer 2022, with groundbreaking in September 2023 and move-in of our staff in July 2024.

Thank you to Dean Kress, Beau Ingle with CFAES Government Affairs, Jeff McCutcheon and Pat Bebo representing Extension Administrative Cabinet, area leader Treva Williams, and the entire Highland County staff for hosting the event. Representatives attended from the Highland County commissioners, the Chamber of Commerce, the Extension advisory and support committees, Governor Mike DeWine’s office, U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup’s office, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance’s office, and several local community banks, hospitals, businesses, and other organizations.

Also on Aug. 9, I represented Extension Administrative Cabinet during a visit to the CFAES Wooster campus. The three Wayne County commissioners, the mayor of Wooster, and the city administrator attended the update, which included tours and updates about the campus facilities, research and partnerships, and Extension. Thank you to Frank Becker and John Yost, ANR educators on the Wayne County staff, for providing insight about how local Extension activities are making an impact in the Wooster area.

The 2024 Congressional Assistants’ Tour made several stops in northeastern Ohio on Aug. 15-16. Many thanks again to the entire staff at the Extension office in Geauga County for hosting several legislative aides and others in government relations for lunch, a tour of the office and grounds, and a discussion of how our local Extension work is making an impact in that area of the state. Staff members attended from the offices of Sen. Sherrod Brown, Sen. J.D. Vance, Rep. Jim Jordan, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, Rep. Greg Landsman, Rep. Troy Balderson, Rep. Emilia Sykes, Rep. Max Miller, and Rep. Michael Rulli.

Coming up on Aug. 26 is a visit to the Western Agricultural Research Station in South Charleston. The ANR-focused Extension educators from Champaign, Montgomery, and Clark counties and other CFAES and Extension experts will be on-site, along with the research station manager and staff. Commissioners from Clark County and Champaign County will attend for updates about Extension, swine research projects in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine, integrated pest management and specialty crop research projects, precision engineering and ag technology, weed control, and statewide facilities.

Other thoughts for now…For those who have county fairs still in progress or coming up soon, thank you again for your work to plan, prepare and conduct your fair in the midst of school starting and myriad other fall activities, while also hosting county commissioners and other local stakeholders to see the results of our 4-H members’ hard work. We know this adds “extra” to some of your fair tasks, but it’s truly great to see the positive impact of your efforts for our 4-H youth, parents, and volunteers across the state.

Kindly, David
Note from David Civittolo

Although the Ohio State Fair has concluded, many of you are still immersed in fair activities. County fairs play a crucial role in networking, supporting, and showcasing the year-round efforts of Extension professionals. We appreciate the extra hours you dedicate before, during, and after fair season.

As we approach the back-to-school season, I encourage those of you with school-aged children in your lives to take advantage of your earned time off so you can spend quality moments with them before they return to classrooms in the coming weeks.

Kindly, David
Extension Management Structure Task Force Update
The OSU Extension Management Structure Task Force continues to meet, considering the following guiding question: What would a management structure look like that best supports county operations?

Task force members are developing overarching themes, considerations, and recommended models with input from the following:
- Feedback from members of the Extension organization, including previous surveys and a newly developed survey for area leaders.
- Research from peer institutions.
- Lessons learned and historical context of OSU Extension’s previous management structures.
The task force will meet again in early September. As we continue our work, the task force encourages you to share your observations and insight. You are welcome to reach out to any of the task force members (listed below).

Megan Arnold, Lucas and Wood County area leader; Jacki Baca, 4-H educator, Lorain County; Tony Bornhorst, CCAO representative, Shelby County; Lori Bowman, chief of staff and special assistant to the vice president and dean; Jesse Buxton, fiscal officer, Extension Operations; Steve Brady, 4-H educator, Warren County; David Crawford, 4-H educator, Stark County; Amanda Douridas, ANR educator, Madison County; Kristen Eisenhauer, 4-H/ANR educator, Mahoning County; Jason Hedrick, area leader and 4-H educator, Putnam County; Angie Keshock, office associate, Columbiana County; Glenn Miller, CCAO Representative, Henry County; Maggie Rivera, ANR educator, Summit County; Haley Shoemaker, ANR educator, Columbiana County; Gwynn Stewart, CD educator, Noble County; Adam Ward, director, CFAES Government Affairs; Shannon Washburn, chair, Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership; and Susan Zies, FCS educator, Wood County.
State Tour Recap with President Carter

A few weeks ago, President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., First Lady Lynda Carter, Dean Kress, and their team embarked on the State Tour, a tradition allowing university presidents to explore different parts of the state. This year, the Office of the President was particularly interested in learning more about OSU Extension.

“This tour provided tangible proof of the impact Extension’s work has in every Ohio county,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “The engagement President Carter had with stakeholders, Extension faculty and staff, and volunteers exemplified how Ohio State resources and educational workshops impact Ohioans across the lifespan. Thank you specifically to the Lake and Lorain County Extension teams for your hospitality and careful intention as you planned each stop.” 

In Lorain County, Jacki Baca, Thomas Becker, and Sally Hennessy planned an event oriented around their county Extension office. Their goal was to showcase the team’s strong collaborations with community stakeholders, much like our other Extension offices. They set up interactive tables, each led by an Extension professional and a partner, where the President, First Lady, and stakeholders engaged with programs and local delicacies. The rest of the Extension team in Lorain County was essential to the successfulness of the stop too – thank you to Rhonda Van Den Bossche, Julie Mackey, Whitney Stollings, Bailey Wise, Sherry Lacko-Chutes, Noah Clegg, and Payton Lunn for all that you contributed to the experience.

In Lake County, Lisa Manning organized a visit to the Lake County Fair, hosting not only the President, First Lady, and their entourage, but also 25 Ohio State students and Brutus. A meet and greet with Lake County leaders and a sampling of the fair’s famous milkshakes made this stop memorable. Behind the scenes, Beth Smith, Ann Chanon, Abigail Comar, Beth Bollas, Sandra Slater, Mary Steelman, June Whittaker, and Macie Wrachford contributed to the stop’s success. 

Here’s a link to a video that recaps the entire two-day tour — State Tour Recap Video.
Extension Leadership Update

I want to echo Dean Kress’s gratitude to everyone who contributed to the recent search for the next associate dean and director of OSU Extension and chair of the Department of Extension. Whether you served on the search committee, participated in a virtual vision session, or attended a face-to-face meeting, your input was invaluable in shaping our future leadership.

As I reflect on my decision to serve as Extension’s interim director a year ago, I can confidently say it was the best choice of my career. The interaction with all of you, witnessing your initiatives and projects, and engaging in strategic planning have been the highlights of my 24 years as an Extension professional.
Note from David Civittolo

In the midst of county fair season, the Ohio State Fair is now upon us as well. What an exciting time of year when more than 9,000 youth from across the state bring their projects to Columbus to share what they’ve learned through their 4-H projects. We are immensely grateful for the Extension faculty and staff, along with the large pool of volunteers, who make state evaluation and show days possible.

Extension is a long-standing tradition of the state fair, and I look forward to interacting with our faculty, staff, and volunteers when I spend some time there myself this year.

Best, David
Note from David Civittolo

The summer seems to be slipping away. State fair will be here before we know it, and then it will be time to gear up for Farm Science Review.

Part of me doesn’t want to mention December in mid-July, but I do want to make sure that Extension Conference is on all of your calendars. It will be Dec. 10 and 11 at the Hilton in downtown Columbus. Our colleagues in Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) recently released a lot of information related to the event – including the theme, speakers, and request for proposal details. Please be sure to read the overview of information included in this News and Notes issue and visit LOD’s website for more information.

Respectfully, David
Note from David Civittolo

As we wrap up the last full week of June, we welcome the last candidate for the associate dean and Department of Extension chair position to campus. If your schedule allows you to participate in Travis Burke’s vision seminar this afternoon, I encourage you to join via Zoom — unless you registered for the in-person option.

I also want to remind you that you have the opportunity to provide feedback on the candidates by way of Qualtrics surveys. Please reflect on each one and share your thoughts with the interview committee. Your insight and input is valuable to the search process.

Before another News and Notes comes out, we will have turned the page to a new month. July starts with another summer holiday. Despite the busyness of the season, I hope you can step away from work for an extra day or two to spend time with friends and family – take in some fireworks, enjoy a cookout, and maybe make a trip to a nearby lake for some fishing or swimming.

Respectively, David
Note from David Civittolo

With the summer youth camping season, the start of county fairs, and the detail work that goes into summer program planning — the past few weeks have been a whirlwind for many of us. Add interviews for your next Extension leader, the recent Urban Food Systems Symposium, and the continued work of the OSU Extension Management Structure Task Force into the mix, and wow, it’s an extraordinarily busy time of year for all.

I do want to remind you about the Qualtrics survey that the Extension Management Structure Task Force has made available to capture feedback on its work so far. Click here to access the survey. The survey closes at 11:59 p.m. today, June 14.

Despite all the demands on our work time this summer, I hope you’re all planning to use some of your hard-earned vacation days. Maybe you’ve got an extended weekend planned, or a long-awaited trip out of the state or country on your calendar...whatever it is, I hope you make it happen.

Best, David
Note from David Civittolo

The unofficial start of summer is here. School is out, Memorial Day is behind us, and we are rolling right into the summer camp and programming season. 

Next week on-campus interviews start for the associate dean and Department of Extension chair position. I encourage you to participate in the vision seminars the three candidates will lead over the next few weeks as your schedule permits – virtual and in-person options are available. 

In addition to welcoming the first candidate to campus next week, I also look forward to spending some time with our agriculture and natural resources professionals at their annual retreat at Burr Oak State Park. And the week after that is the Urban Foods Symposium, which I know many of you are providing leadership and support to. Thank you for your diligence in organizing and hosting this learning opportunity for your colleagues in urban foods.

Take care, David 
Note from David Civittolo

When the Smith-Lever Act passed on May 8, 1914, the groundwork was laid for a Cooperative Extension Service in every state. Because of this act, Ohioans have had access to unbiased research-backed information that is generated at Ohio State and other land-grant universities by way of Extension professionals, like us, for more than a century.

While the ways in which we share information and the topics we research have changed over the 110 years since Smith-Lever was passed, the core of our work is still firmly rooted in making sure all Ohioans have access to science-based information in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community development.

Let’s continue the work the Smith-Lever Act asks of us with diligence and confidence – knowing that the work we do really does enhance the lives of Ohioans.

Best, David
Extension Management Structure Task Force Update

The OSU Extension Management Structure Task Force continues to meet and examine the current management structure of Extension. Based on the direction of Dean Kress and OSU Extension leadership, the focus remains on supporting our OSU Extension faculty and staff by determining the optimal ways to lead and support county operations and the system. Most recently, the task force met to review the progress of its subcommittees and develop next steps.

One subcommittee is charged with reviewing current and previous management structures of OSU Extension. The team developed a historic timeline of Extension administrative models and is now doing a deeper dive into why models changed over time, what was good about them, and where they fell short. This subcommittee is also trying to better understand the current model by reviewing designEXT materials that served as the foundation of its creation. Faculty and staff perspectives are being incorporated via previous surveys, such as the recent Enterprise Trust Index survey. A process for garnering feedback from area leaders and others in the system is being examined.

Another subcommittee is responsible for better understanding other benchmark Extension systems and exploring their administrative models. To date, there have been approximately 24 models that have been identified. A closer look will be given to systems with similar state demographics, county-based structures, Extension systems that are situated within the university/college and have similar staff and faculty promotion structure. The subcommittee will be assigning task force members to connect with other states to help get a better feel for what works and what to watch out for.

The Extension Management Structure Task Force is working toward finalizing recommendations by late summer/fall.

note: This update was shared on the all-Extension listserv on May 3.
Note from David Civittolo

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission to reach Ohioans where they live and work.

Whether volunteers are part of an official organized group – such as our Master Gardener Volunteers or 4-H youth development volunteers – or are simply community members who reliably show up to hand out nametags, each one of them plays a crucial role in our organization. As we wrap up National Volunteer Week, I hope you take a few minutes to thank those who continually show up for us. We couldn’t have the impact we do without each one of them.

Thank you, too, for any volunteer service you give outside of your affiliation with OSU Extension. Maybe you volunteer at a food bank. Maybe you read to nursing home residents. Maybe you’re just “on call” for anytime your community needs someone to step up. Thank you for it all.

Volunteers by the Numbers: In 2023, there were 24,167 adult and youth volunteers who invested their time in Ohio 4-H youth development. In the same year, more than 3,000 Master Gardener Volunteers contributed 162,000+ hours of volunteer time. And nearly 700 Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists spent just shy of 90,000 hours raising awareness of the environment and natural resources in the state.

Best, David
Minding the Brand Initiative Announced
An email went out yesterday announcing this initiative, but we are sharing it again today to ensure that it remains top of mind.

Thank you all for the time and attention you put into creating promotional pieces for the programs you lead, the research you conduct, and the publications you create. There is no doubt that creating these items – large and small – takes a significant amount of time.

Late last year, we tallied an estimated number of print-related marketing pieces created by all of Extension (including county offices, program areas, various teams, permanent and temporary signage, etc.) during the calendar year. That educated estimate resulted in more than 40,000 items (excluding social media posts and many merchandise items). This is an incredible amount of exposure for Extension, the college and the university.

This level of exposure is one reason that Extension Administration has committed to building a stronger presence of brand mindfulness and a more proactive approach than we have been able to offer in the past.

There are multiple ways we will achieve this goal:
- Maintaining a proactive approach to managing brand guideline applications for Extension – both as an organization operating within communities throughout Ohio and as a unit within the college and the university.
- Providing an individual, constant point of contact for brand-related questions within Extension.
- Building a robust system to create, share and update marketing resources (e.g. templates, branding elements, social media guidance).
- Establishing easy-to-use procedures when creating Extension materials and requesting help.
Why? Because quite literally, everything we create for the public must be appropriately branded.

Building a communications team focused on the needs of Extension that can consistently meet these goals has been a goal itself for several years. We are being mindful about how we approach this initiative and developing resources to support all Extension professionals.

We commit to communicate with you about our next steps in the days and weeks ahead. In the meantime, we hope you share our excitement as we move forward with this initiative, Minding the Brand.

We’re all part of Minding the Brand.
Note from David Civittolo

In the past few days, we’ve heard powerful messages from university and college leadership, both mentioning the excellent work Extension does with and on behalf of all Ohioans.

Last Friday, Dean Kress shared her State of the College address and focused on momentum. One statement she made in her video really struck me: “(Momentum) is the sum of our choices, our actions, and our unwavering determination to impact the world around us.” As I travel the state, engage in conversations with so many of you, talk with our stakeholders, and help guide the future of Extension at large, the momentum we’ve built is almost tangible. And that’s an incredible feeling. If you missed Dean Kress’s address in person, click here to watch it.

President Carter, in yesterday’s State of the University address, acknowledged the historical foundation of the university, which included multiple mentions of Extension and its importance then and now.

These messages from college and university leadership highlight the value of collective effort and the impact of Extension’s work. They serve as a reminder of how important our day-to-day work is to all Ohioans and the university at large.

Best, David
Note from David Civittolo

In a little over a week, we will experience a celestial event that hasn’t occurred in Ohio since 1806 – a visible total solar eclipse. As we prepare for this event, our Extension professionals have curated some resources to ensure we are well-equipped with the information we need to navigate it.

4-H youth development has developed some solar eclipse teaching tools. They can be found here — ohio4h.org/solareclipse. They’ve also worked with Ohio State’s Arne Slettebak Planetarium to create a video that discusses eclipse safety.

Additionally, our agricultural law experts shared some steps farmers and landowners should take to prepare for the eclipse. These recommendations aim to help landowners navigate legal concerns related to their properties, considering the expected influx of people in communities and rural areas across the state. They’re shared here.

Let’s welcome this opportunity to learn and experience something truly extraordinary.

Best, David
Extension Management Structure Task Force Update
The OSU Extension Management Structure Task Force continues to meet and examine the management structure to determine optimal ways to lead and support county operations and the system. Based on the direction of Dean Kress and OSU Extension Leadership, the focus remains on supporting our OSU Extension faculty and staff. Over the course of the last few months, the task force has concentrated on what is important to OSU Extension’s core (the non-negotiables) and has examined priorities using a concentric circles exercise.

Most recently, the task force was given a financial overview of OSU Extension funding from federal, state, and local appropriations and how the distribution of those funds is dispersed across the system. The financial overview also included a historical snapshot of how base funding has changed over the last five years.

The CFAES Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP) joined the task force to discuss challenges and opportunities within our existing structure, highlighted a need within our structure to better support our workforce, and reduce the strain of the current area leader position. With support from task force members, the HRBP plan to remain involved with the work of the task force to provide guidance as plans evolve. The task force also heard from several area leaders about the successes and demands of serving in the role.

Kim Winslow, CFAES priority projects and corporate relations specialist, has been added as a member of the task force.

Moving forward, the task force has identified Megan Arnold as the chair, Amanda Douridas as co-chair, and three work groups that include:
- OSU Extension Structure Review Sub-Committee: charged with gathering and summarizing feedback about the current model.
- Other Extension Models Sub-Committee: charged with reviewing benchmark institution Extension structures and reviewing the various OSU Extension management models of the past.
- Communication Sub-Committee: Ensures the documentation and communication to the system.
Note from David Civittolo

The longer days and warmer temps we’ve been having are reminders that spring is coming. 4-H professionals are helping organize clubs and camps. Our ag and natural resources professionals are supporting farmers who are busy tending to new life in pastures and barns. Our community development experts just finalized the annual IMPLAN reports, and our FCS folks are doing everything they can to help their clients shake off those winter blues.

We’re always on the go, aren’t we? But that is the nature of our work — it moves with the seasons. Here’s hoping the spring brings you a fresh wave of energy and inspiration.

Best, David
Note from David Civittolo

Ohio 4-H Week will be celebrated across the state next week. Largely because of this national organization, our 4-H Youth Development program reaches more than 156,000 Ohio youth a year through 4-H clubs, camps, schools, and after-school programs. Our 4-H specialists, educators, and program support staff orchestrate the task of making sure 4-H is available in all 88 counties. These professionals also provide leadership to the more than 24,000 volunteers they rely on to help them deliver 4-H programming.

Next week please be sure to thank the 4-H professionals in your life who work tirelessly to carry out Extension’s work with Ohio’s youth. Thank you peers and colleagues. Thank the volunteers who support them by serving as club advisors, board members, camp staff, and more. Thank the alumni who live the pillars of character instilled in them through 4-H. And thank anyone else who supports 4-H in any way in your community – from elected officials to community partners.

We really do have so much to celebrate next week.

Best, David
Search Commences for Permanent Associate Dean and Director of OSU Extension

As announced by CFAES in August 2023, a national search has commenced for the next associate dean and director of OSU Extension. More information about the search, including a link to how to apply and an overview of search committee members, is available here cfaes.osu.edu/people/leadership-searches.
Note from David Civittolo

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us in real time for last week’s video update. A special thank you to the Wayne County staff members for their hospitality as we took the day’s Cabinet meeting on the road alongside the video update. Spending time in counties is reenergizing and refreshing – for me and the rest of Administrative Cabinet. Thank you for welcoming us into your “every day” life and for reminding us that our “every day” lives are very much intertwined despite the physical miles between us. We look forward to more Cabinet road trips across the state this year and visiting with more of you in the communities you serve. If you were unable to join us live, the Zoom recording is available here. A PDF of the slides for the video is available here.

Best, David
Note from David Civittolo

Sometimes I get so focused on the hours, days, and weeks ahead that I don’t give much thought to what I was doing a week ago or, to be honest, even yesterday. Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the train derailment in East Palestine. As the date approaches, I’ve spent time mulling over the catastrophe and I find myself incredibly inspired by the team that stepped up – on behalf of CFAES and Extension – to provide support, knowledge, expertise, and direction to a community in its time of crisis.

Now would be an appropriate time to thank and acknowledge all of the professionals who were involved in leading, participating in, or supporting the East Palestine response team in its year-long work. They include: Haley Shoemaker, Jeff Hattey, Devin Petersen, Matt Teegarden, Paola Forero, Heather Raymond, Nicholas Basta, Jason Hartschuh, Dee Jepsen, Kent McGuire, Maurice Eastridge, Michael Bisesi (vice dean, College of Public Health), Eric Barrett, Sam Custer, and Adam Ward.

I’m proud of the way the team organized and aligned itself with other resources within Ohio State, local and state governments, and other agencies. And how it never lost sight of the focus – helping the East Palestine community. I'm even more humbled at how their work in and on behalf of the affected area continues to present day – well beyond the immediate crisis response.

While events like this are not typical in our day-to-day work, they are reminders of how much Ohioans rely on the resources we make accessible to them.

My challenge to you is this – keep focused on the tasks at hand, but don’t forget to acknowledge the work you’ve done and the lives you’ve impacted through your work as an Extension professional.

Thanks for all the big and little impacts you have on those you serve – David
Note from David Civittolo

It is hard to believe we are more than halfway through January. The Extension Management Structure Task Force meets for the first time today (Jan. 19). I am eager to welcome and encourage this group of dedicated professionals to address this challenge. No doubt there are many conversations to be had and lots of ideas to capture during this process. I look forward to learning how the task force will be moving forward with their review, evaluation, and suggestions. While this group looks at our future, thank you to all of our team members for continuing to live the land-grant mission that unites us and continuing to do good work in our communities across the state.

Since it IS mid-January, I also want to remind you to complete your annual performance reviews. These reviews are important to your personal growth and development as an Extension professional, and therefore to all of us at large.

Hope you’re staying warm and well, David
Note from David Civittolo

Plato once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

There are so many wheels in motion as we start 2024 – from the Extension Management Taskforce starting its work to countless local programs happening this winter across the state. Starting a new year can be hard, but taking the time to make sure our efforts focus on the end goal of meeting the needs of Ohioans will pay off exponentially as we work toward fulfilling the land-grant mission of this tremendous university.

Here’s to 2024...! David Civittolo
Area Leader Update

As of Jan. 1, there are some changes in area leader assignments. Beth Smith, educator, 4-H youth development in Mahoning County, is now also serving as the Area 6 interim area leader. This area encompasses Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, and Trumbull counties. Beth is replacing Lee Beers, who is returning full-time to his position as educator, agriculture and natural resources in Trumbull County. Beth can be reached at smith.11958@osu.edu.

Nate Arnett, area leader for Area 15 and educator, 4-H youth development at Adventure Central, is now also serving as the Area 11 interim area leader. This area encompasses Darke, Mercer, Miami, Preble, and Shelby counties. Nate is replacing Kara Colvin, who is returning full-time to her position as educator, 4-H youth development in Warren County. Nate can be reached at arnett.67@osu.edu.

Thank you to Lee and Kara for your service as area leaders to date, and to Beth and Nate for stepping up to handle the interim roles during this year. An up-to-date Extension organizational chart is available at extension.osu.edu/people — including a complete list of the current Extension leadership team and area leaders. You can also visit extops.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/about-operations/area-leaders to access direct contact information for all area leaders.
Note from David Civittolo

The season of tradition is upon us. Here’s a video message from our Extension leadership team and me...wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday week and happy new year!
Leadership Reminders

Eric Barrett began his appointment on Nov. 1 as the interim assistant dean and associate chair. You can reach Eric at barrett.90@osu.edu. Greg Davis, who previously held this role, has transitioned into his new position as the George R. and Genevieve B. Gist Endowed Chair in OSU Extension. Greg can be reached at davis.1081@osu.edu.

Chris Zoller began his appointment as assistant director, agriculture and natural resources on Dec. 1. Chris can be reached at zoller.1@osu.edu. Thanks again to Sam Custer for his service to Extension in this role for the past several years; and we wish Sam well upon his retirement on Dec. 31.
Note from David Civittolo
When this message is sent, I’ll be wrapping up a five-day tour of the state for Regional Conversations. I am beyond thankful that this opportunity to connect with so many of you – 642 to be exact – happened near the beginning of my service as your interim director. Talking and engaging with you at these meetings has empowered me to really reflect on our responsibility as Extension professionals and to prepare myself to be the strongest leader I can be for you all in 2024.

That being said, as we start the holiday season, I intentionally remind myself that I have much to be thankful for.

Here are just a few….
- I am thankful that I work with such hard-working, dedicated professionals that continue to meet the needs of their communities with thoughtfulness, compassion, and flexibility.
- I am thankful for teamwork. It is great to know that by combining our individual talents, we can work together to produce ideas that none of us could ever conceive separately.
- I am thankful for “problems,” for the problems allow us to develop creative solutions.
- I am thankful for our partners that we collaborate with to provide programming.
- I am thankful that every day is different and varied.
- I am thankful for family, friends, colleagues.
- I am thankful for being able to work with all of you.
What are you thankful for? I encourage each of you to reflect on this as we enter the holiday season.

In thankfulness, David
Zoller Named Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Assistant Director

Chris Zoller will join Extension’s leadership team as the interim assistant director, agriculture and natural resources, effective Dec. 1, 2023. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1991, and a Master of Science degree in agriculture in 1997. He currently serves as associate professor and Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources in Tuscarawas County, where he conducts programming in farm management, farm succession planning, farm financial management, dairy and livestock production, and agronomic and forage crop production. Chris conducts research in the areas of farm management, agronomic crop production, and energy demand monitoring of livestock facilities. He has researched and conducted analysis of farm production, evaluated variable seeding rates of corn and soybeans, and is a member of a team evaluating energy use on livestock farms.
Note from David Civittolo

In the words of JFK, “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

I’ve been mulling over these words as we take on the task of addressing our management structure that Dean Kress has charged us with. That has motivated me to take a purposeful and confident approach to the responsibility of seeing that Extension’s work is carried out efficiently and effectively in the future.

As we noted in the video update, our success in this work heavily relies on your input and participation. We have asked all Extension units – which is loosely defined – to send a couple of committee member nominations to LaVerne (castle.206@osu.edu) by Nov. 9. We will review the nominations and ensure that all niches of Extension are represented in the task force. If you were unable to join us for the live video, please set aside some time to watch the recording that was e-mailed earlier this week.

We’ve got important and necessary work to do to ensure we are meeting our needs as Extension professionals and the needs of Ohioans. I’m very much looking forward to regional conversations in November when we spend some time connecting with each other and discuss how we can best carry out Extension’s work in communities across the state.

Kindly, David
Eric Barrett Named Interim Assistant Dean and Associate Chair

Effective Nov. 1, Eric Barrett will join the Extension leadership team as the interim dean of OSU Extension and interim associate chair for the Department of Extension. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences in 1996, and a Master of Science in agricultural economics in 1998. He currently serves as associate professor and Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County, where he conducts programming in direct marketing, urban agriculture, and horticulture. He also serves as Area 10 leader, where he has successfully supported colleagues in their professional development and guided them through effective budget and grant management. Prior to these roles, Eric served as county director in Mahoning, Columbiana, and Washington counties. He recently completed two terms on the CFAES Faculty Council, serving as chair. Thank you to Eric for taking on this role and your dedication to OSU Extension.
State 4-H Leaders Reconnect at Annual Ohio 4-H Foundation's Fall Board Luncheon
Helt's National 4-H Hall of Fame Induction Recognized
Note from David Civittolo

As we move into the fall season, my team and I are preparing for a couple of important events that will bring us together in the coming weeks. I hope you’re planning to join me on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. for a video update with Dean Kress. As with past videos, you can expect this one to include updates on programming, the budget, career advancement information, and more. Dean Kress will address our entire Extension staff during this time, so she will lead part of the video message too.

The next time we will likely meet face-to face is during regional conversations – which will happen across the state the week of Nov. 13. If you haven’t already registered to be a part of one of the sessions, please do that now here. We understand that seating is limited at some locations, but we will do our best to accommodate anyone wishing to participate. Contact ShaLise Simmons (simmons.761@osu.edu) with any questions about registering.

As we continue our individual roles in Extension’s work, I want you to know that the contributions you’ve made in the past, the effort you put forth today, and the commitment you make to be here in the future are not lost on me. Know that our organization needs you to help fulfill the land-grant mission that unites us.

Kindly, David
Director’s Video Update – Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.

Join Dean Kress and David Civittolo for a video update on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. If time permits, there will be a Q&A at the end of the webinar. Note: this is a change from the original Oct. 31 hold date.

Registration is required; register in advance at osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5HKCEBhCS6K5j_y9lc0S9A.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar.

The update will be recorded for those who are unable to join the live update.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880.

The last 2023 director’s video update is planned for Dec. 12 and is subject to change if necessary. Invitations and registration information will be shared two to three weeks before each video update.
Pat Brundige Awarded 2023 National Friend of Extension Award

Patricia Brundige, a generous benefactor and life-long supporter of Ohio State University Extension and Ohio 4-H youth development, received a 2023 National Friend of Extension Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP). Congratulations on this national recognition, Pat. We know that your lifelong support of Extension’s work will impact the lives of youth, volunteers, Extension professionals, and community stakeholders for generations to come. Read more about Pat’s recognition here.
Jim Helt Inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Jim Helt who was recently inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. We are so grateful for Jim and the impact he’s had on 4-H in Ohio and across the nation. Thank you for your tireless support of Ohio 4-H youth development, Jim. We extend sincere congratulations to you on this honor. Read more about Jim and his induction here.
Note from David Civittolo

Colleagues,

As we transition from the heat and humidity of summer to the crisp, cooler air of fall, I am reminded of the line in Carmen Ohio that starts, “Time and change...”

I know there is common ground in the work we tend to every day. We research. We report. We share. How can we do all of this more efficiently and effectively? Hopefully this will be a topic of conversation many of us will have at the upcoming JCEP Conference and during our regional conversations. I will be at these events with the goal of having productive and candid conversations with you about our common ground, our future, and how we continue fulfilling the land-grant mission together.

Until our paths cross later this fall,
David
FSR Thank You

Extension has many points of pride, and the educational programming we provide at Farm Science Review (FSR) is one of them. We are grateful for the 175 Extension professionals who made their way to FSR to provide on-site demonstrations, talks, interviews, and face-to-face conversations with those we serve every day. From autonomous farming equipment and stress management to invasive insect talks and pawpaw ice cream – we know how to show the scope of our work and the resources we provide. Thank you to all who participated and made this year’s FSR another great success.
Extension Seeking Specialists – Forestry and Urban Agriculture
We are recruiting two specialists to join our pool of resources. They are as follows:
- Forestry Field Specialist – review the full position description here
- Urban Agriculture Specialist – review the full position description here
Please share these opportunities with individuals who value OSU Extension’s work and want to be a part of fulfilling our land-grant mission.
Note from David Civittolo

Dear Colleagues,

The deep appreciation and commitment you all have for Extension’s mission has never been more apparent to me than it has been over the past few weeks as I transition into my new role as interim chair and director of Extension. I am grateful for this common ground of living and breathing the land-grant mission we share.

As with most changes in life, one wonders what’s next. I, too, often wonder the same thing. It’s good to be curious. And sometimes it’s really good to take a fresh look at things. My first priorities are to listen to you and to learn from you. I don’t have all of the answers for our statewide Extension system, but I do want to hear your thoughts on how we ensure that we are strategically meeting the needs of Ohio citizens. If you’re comfortable sharing your ideas in writing, please email them to me (civittolo.1@osu.edu); and if you prefer to share them face-to-face (or Zoom to Zoom), I am more than willing to listen that way too. If you prefer the latter, please contact LaVerne Castle (castle.206@osu.edu) to schedule some time with me. I commit to being as transparent as I can with you about any questions or points of discussion you bring to the table.

I also ask you to take some time and reflect as we enter the autumn season. Reflect on your own goals, reflect on your chosen profession, and reflect on the impact you are making. We have the ability and tools to change the lives of Ohioans in multiple ways – be it youth in 4-H, farmers with crop questions, a family trying to preserve their garden harvest, an individual struggling to feed family, or a community working together on a strategic plan. Every aspect of our work is important. If we focus on the interactions we have that make a positive impact on the communities we serve, we will be a stronger organization through this transition.

I hope that you all take some time to step away from emails and task lists to join me at Farm Science Review next week. The interactions we have and the connections we make at this iconic farm show are critical to our work in Extension. And while we say “farm show,” this really is a well-rounded educational event that showcases the wide range of our Extension programs and our ability to meet Ohioans right where they are.

As I close, I am humbled and honored to serve you in this new role. My promise is to represent you – and this organization – to the best of my ability. I hope you will join me in continuing our work to fulfill the land-grant mission that unites us.

Go Bucks!
David
Dr. Keith Smith Receives Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Keith Smith recently received the CFAES Alumni Society’s Meritorious Service Award.

A native of Utah, Keith came to Ohio State in 1980 and served as the director of OSU Extension from 1992 until 2015. In 2006, he received Extension’s National Distinguished Service Award; and in 2016, he was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame for his life-long dedication to public service. Congratulations, Keith. We appreciate your leadership of Extension and your continued support of college efforts.

All alumni society awards will be presented on Oct. 6 at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center as part of Ohio State’s Homecoming Weekend. Visit go.osu.edu/cfaes2023homecoming for more information.
Thoughts from the Director

It is with mixed emotions that I draft my last introduction for News and Notes, as associate dean and director/chair of OSU Extension. It has been a tremendous honor to serve in this role and to work alongside some of the most amazing professionals in the Extension world as we navigated a once-in-100-year global pandemic; grew our partnerships and our workforce despite challenging budget environments; amplified our programs and our audiences through new and emerging technologies; advocated for college and university support as we experienced significant changes in leadership, platforms, and processes while moving forward to accomplish the business of Extension; and leaned into addressing some of the most pressing issues contributing to organizational culture. None of the last four years have been easy, and there are more complexities to our work than most everyone understands; but I have been surrounded by excellent professionals who are committed to the mission, which is bigger and more important than any single one of us and yet can only be accomplished by the coming together of ALL of us. I will truly miss the role of steward leader for OSU Extension, but I will continue to be an ardent advocate for Extension’s mission, growth, and success in my next role, where I will have the opportunity to focus on developing and supporting the next generation of Extension professionals and amplifying the awareness of and support for Extension scholarship and engagement. I look forward to having time to dive into these important aspects of the work of Extension. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, challenged me, and inspired me these last years. I am grateful to each of you.

I am thrilled to transition this important role to someone who I know will be a true caretaker of our land-grant mission and who has a familiarity with the system and the needs within our state. I hope you will reach out and welcome and support David Civittolo as he begins his interim appointment as our associate dean and director/chair of OSU Extension. We have an incredible organization that will only continue to learn and grow so we can optimally serve Ohioans. I encourage you to keep up your individual and collective efforts to engage Ohioans in addressing our most important issues of today and tomorrow; to support your colleagues and your leadership, who are your partners in any of our future success; and truly consider your contributions for caring for this great legacy for which we are temporary servants. OSU Extension is a powerhouse nationally and a true gem locally; and it is the partnering with our key stakeholders internally and externally that makes this mission possible. I know Extension is in good hands, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings.

With gratitude, Jackie
David Civittolo Appointed Interim Associate Dean and Director, OSU Extension

As announced this week by Dean Cathann Kress, David Civittolo has been appointed interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension and interim chair of the Department of Extension effective Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, or until a new associate dean and director/chair is appointed. This position is subject to Ohio State Board of Trustees approval.

David will continue several key initiatives and provide leadership while a national search is conducted for the next associate dean and director of OSU Extension. In these interim roles, David will: assume supervision of the OSU Extension administrative leaders and staff; serve on the CFAES VP Cabinet and assist with college strategic planning and implementation of strategic priorities; participate and provide leadership on the college’s External Relations Team; review and streamline OSU Extension leadership appointments to align with the college.; and provide input and oversight to the OSU Extension budgeting process.

David earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from Bowling Green State University. He currently serves as associate professor and assistant director, Community Development. Prior to this role, David served OSU Extension as interim assistant director, Community Development; as a field specialist with a focus on community economics; as an Extension Education and Research Area (EERA) leader, Western Reserve; and as a county director in Medina County.
National Search for Associate Dean and Director, OSU Extension

In September, Tracy Kitchel, CFAES senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs, will begin assembling a search committee and outlining the search process and timeline for a national search for the next associate dean and director of OSU Extension. This committee will include both internal and external representatives. We encourage nominations for both the committee and potential candidates; please send those to Dr. Kitchel at kitchel.2@osu.edu.
Associate Chair, Department of Extension Update

As announced previously, Greg Davis is serving as an interim associate chair of the Department of Extension through Oct. 31, focusing strictly on promotion and tenure. Per OSU Extension governance documents, David Civittolo, as interim department chair, will appoint an interim associate chair and assistant dean. The next associate dean and chair for the Department of Extension will handle the appointment process of the long-term associate chair, also per governance documents.

Greg also has been appointed the George R. and Genevieve B. Gist Endowed Chair in OSU Extension effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Ohio State Board of Trustees. The Gist Chair is a rotating chair between the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) and the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS). While sitting with ACEL, the funding from this chair supports Extension education with a focus on administration and leadership. The full announcement is available here (link to https://cfaesfacultyandstaff.osu.edu/news/davis-appointed-george-r-and-g... ). Congratulations, Greg, on this career achievement. Your service to Extension – including its program and support staff, as well as students – is to be commended.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

As we approach the end of July and enter the deep heat and humidity of summer, it can only mean one thing… we are well into camp and fair season in Ohio. The Ohio State Fair opened yesterday, and I was thrilled to be able to go and support Dave Apsley as he received the Cardinal Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions awarded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Congratulations Dave! What I love about the state fair is that it represents the culmination of hundreds of thousands of projects that are diligently worked on throughout the year by our 4-H members that contribute to 21st century skills for youth and the workforce and leadership of tomorrow. It’s such a joy to see the growth and development of Ohio’s youth, the impact that the OSU Extension youth development program has as an economic driver for local and state fairs, and the sense of community, pride, and hope for tomorrow that fairs showcase. Our camps also have an incredible impact on the lives of youth—from our Cloverbuds all the way through our senior 4-H young leaders. The lessons learned and the new experiences that occur contribute to memories and skills that last a lifetime! Our professionals and volunteers make it seamless and look effortless, but we know how much time and effort goes into making the magic happen.

One only needs to take a short drive anywhere across our state to see the important work going on in our fields and in our urban ag spaces to know how deeply important our work is in feeding Ohio and creating and supporting a safe and accessible food system. The growing season, once again, has not been easy to navigate; and I am continually amazed and appreciative of those who dedicate their lives to ensuring we all have a safe and life-giving food supply.

Next week marks the special occasion of faculty and staff appreciation at The Ohio State University. I wanted to extend an early expression of thankfulness to each and every one of you in OSU Extension as you do this important work with great knowledge, open hearts, and a commitment to meeting the community, right where they are, at the right time, with just the right touch. Our work in Extension is not easy – it doesn’t fit a predictable time clock, and it often asks much of us. There’s one thing I know though…there’s no other work I know we’d rather do, because it MATTERS and it changes lives and transcends generations. Thank you for being you, bringing what you bring, and always, ALWAYS bringing your best self to this mission.

Happy Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week! You are all greatly valued and appreciated, though words will never express how much. Please take a moment this next week to extend some kind words and gratitude to those in your circles. Think also about sending a personalized note through kind.osu.edu.

Best wishes, Jackie
Thoughts from the Director

Dear Friends,

I hope you all had a very relaxing and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday weekend. I know the time off the grid (quite literally) was very refueling for me and my family.

July is starting with some very good news for our organization with the approval of the state budget. Our Ohio State-specific lines – Extension and research were maintained with 3% increases, each year for this biennium. In a time where there continues to be budget deficits and competing priorities, we are thrilled to say that our work in Extension and continued focus on meeting the needs of Ohio and in each of our communities is still highly valued by our state decision-makers. I would like to thank everyone who has participated in legislative visits, providing state testimony, sharing impact reporting, and building relationships that aided in sharing the story of our work and our impact. We have also experienced good news overall in our county budgets. With nearly all counties reporting for this year, we have an average of 8% increase over last year, for an increase of $1,491,496.62. I would like to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication, focused on the important things that resonate with our stakeholders. What we all do each day matters; and by effectively telling our story, we will continue to co-create solutions and receive the funding necessary to do so. Well done everyone!

As I mentioned during the last Director’s video update, compression and equity requests have received final approval; and those employees who are receiving increases related to this effort will have had this reflected in their June pay. The Annual Merit Compensation Process (AMCP) has been completed on our end and is with HR and the college for approval; and it will move forward for final university approval in the coming weeks with merit increases reflected in August for faculty and September for staff.

As you are making plans for summer enjoyment with family and friends, I hope you will also carve out some time to spend together with your colleagues. As I have been out and about, I have heard quite often that the things we were touring together (whether it was a team member’s program, a local partner facility, or a local museum) was the first time the team had been there as well. Please take time to discover local gems, plan team-building activities, get in some local professional development, and gather with one another and partners in ways you haven’t before and get to know one another and your community even better.

I know many of you work through lunch—but I would encourage you to stop that habit and seek one another out frequently to share lunch in the office, grab a cup of coffee, or just take a moment or two throughout the day to connect and touch base, or perhaps enjoy a walking meeting. Finally, take a moment to really see your colleagues and notice if they need a pick-me-up, a helping hand, or a reason to smile. We are in the middle of some very busy programming seasons, and that small gesture in a moment of need could mean more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you for the great honor of working with professionals who truly find meaning in their work and strive for a better quality of life for their communities, colleagues, and themselves. Together we can make a difference in so many lives—ours included.

Be well, Jackie
Thoughts from the Director
Dear Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already mid-June and official summer begins next week. I know it’s a busy fair, camp, and field work season, but I also hope you have been able to plan a vacation and/or some long weekends during the next few weeks to recharge and refresh your own batteries. I’m excited to be going on vacation at the end of the month, and I look forward to some great family and friend time away from the office.

With refueling in mind, I want to pass along some general expectations for balancing life and work in Extension that I shared during the Ohio JCEP (Joint Council of Extension Professionals) meeting earlier this week. I encourage you to keep these in mind as you connect with your office teammates, and please remember to give consideration to everyone’s life/work balance, as it may look a little bit different than your own.
- A 60-hour work week should be the exception, not the rule. There are busy seasons, but on par, this is not an expectation.
- Set boundaries for when you are off the clock. You do not have to share your personal cell number. Your Skype or other number can be forwarded to your cell phone, and that can help you differentiate a work call from a personal call.
- You should step away from email at night and on weekends. Set clear guardrails for yourself with your colleagues and your volunteers and clientele. We all need the mental break and time away from work demands.
- You can take 24-48 hours to respond to a non-urgent question or phone call. Simply acknowledge the receipt of the request and let them know you will be in touch shortly.
- Stay off of the grid during vacations, and prepare your team(s) in advance so you can do so.
- Plan ahead and protect your vacations – use your hours. Do not lose the days the university has already allocated for you to be out of the office.
- Become familiar with the flexible work arrangements available to you. They have been shared broadly; but as a review, they include up to one full day of telework weekly for everyone in the office, if there is work that can be done remotely. Educators can work up to two full days (16 hours) telework per week. There should be no one working a majority of their time from home on a regular basis, unless they have worked this out with their supervisor; and it should be focused on doing deep work or virtual education/programming, not simply preference. It goes without saying that performance, responsivity, and communication are expected remotely, as they are in the office.
- There is a compressed work week option available for 4 x 10-hour days, if this can be worked out with the unit and supervisor. This is based on ability to maintain specific office operations and role.
- Check with your supervisor if you are interested in a flexible work arrangement.
- There is the option of predictable staggered start and stop times within an office, if the public office hours are covered and your schedule can be worked out with the office and supervisor.
- There is the option of professional scheduling, but this must involve effective communication with unit colleagues and supervisors. Colleagues should know in advance when possible, and your calendar should always be up-to-date. You will likely know at least a few days ahead of time when you have night and weekend meetings.
- Educators often will be in the field or at other off-site meetings, and it is to be expected that they won’t always be at their desks. However, all calendars should be up-to-date and shared. Communication is key.
- We have more flexibility now than ever before in Extension; but we must keep our clientele, community, and colleagues in mind. It is only fair to be flexible for others as well as when we desire it for ourselves.
As always, I am so proud of the work we do in Extension and all of your passion to bring the vision and mission of OSU Extension to life. I trust that we can apply the same professionalism with which we do our jobs to our life/work balance conversations and plans with our teammates.

If you have any other helpful suggestions for life/work balance or things you’ve tried that work really well, please share those with me. I’d love to hear how our professionals are being creative at balancing their work and life priorities!

Best regards, Jackie
Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Finalists Announced
Three candidates have accepted the invitation to participate as finalists in on-campus interviews for the assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources position. All are welcome to attend the seminars or view the recordings and share feedback via Qualtrics surveys that will be made available. Faculty and staff are also invited to meet the candidates during a 45-minute interview session immediately following each seminar. We are looking forward to your participation in this important search.

June 16 — Dr. Melissa Wilson
- 9 a.m. Vision Seminar
- 10:15 - 11 a.m. Interview with Extension and academic department faculty and staff
- In-person: Animal Science Building, room 212 (2029 Fyffe Ct., Columbus)
- Zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/99122090335?pwd=M093Q1JwYTdjWXV1b3ZqbzhBWU1pdz09 (passcode: 456998)
June 21 — Mr. Gregory LaBarge
- 9 a.m. Vision Seminar
- 10:15 - 11 a.m. Interview with Extension and academic department faculty and staff
- In-person: Ag Engineering Building, room 219 (590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus)
- Zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/94757910218?pwd=VS9neGw4YU5IT0pSR0szZ09sd2Judz09 (passcode: 673325)
June 22 — Dr. Terry Griffin
- 9 a.m. Vision Seminar
- 10:15 - 11a.m. Interview with Extension and academic department faculty and staff
- In-person: Ag Engineering Building, room 219 (590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus)
- Zoom link: osu.zoom.us/j/93244850285?pwd=MFp6K0EyUW5Va3c4dkJKbFZFV1Izdz09 (passcode: 915261)
Assistant Director, Community Development Search Status

The search process for the assistant director, Community Development is complete. Recommendations have been received, and an announcement is expected soon. Thank you again to Pat Bebo, assistant director, Family and Consumer Sciences, for chairing that search committee; and thanks to the search committee members.
Assistant Dean and Associate Chair Search

The Assistant Dean and Associate Chair, Ohio State University Extension and Department of Extension position is now posted for internal candidates. Interested individuals should refer to job opening R80497 at hr.osu.edu/careers. A direct link to the position information is at myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$167863. The priority application date is June 23.

The search committee includes Greg LaBarge (chair), Bruce Clevenger, Maurice Eastridge, Theresa Ferrari, Myra Moss, Daniel Remley, and Kathy Tutt.

Greg Davis has done a fantastic job in this position, and we have a difficult task replacing his contribution to OSU Extension and the Department of Extension. If you have any questions on the search process or position description, Greg (labarge.2@osu.edu) or one of the committee members.
Thoughts from the Director
Friends --- Memorial Day is upon us, and I would like to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served and lost their lives in the performance of their military duties. A special thank you goes out to those in our own ranks who are serving our country through the armed forces and national guard. I strongly encourage you to make time in the coming days and weeks to enjoy time with family and friends, enjoy the sunshine and signs of new life everywhere in Ohio, and make time to completely unplug and refuel.

I want to provide some important updates:
- Interviews. The interviews to fill the assistant director, Community Development position were completed yesterday. I thank everyone who participated and provided input to the search committee, chaired by Pat Bebo. See information in an article below about providing additional feedback.
- Search Committee (associate chair). The search committee for the assistant dean and associate chair position, led by Greg LaBarge, met this week to launch an internal search. Dr. Greg Davis will step back into a faculty role after he completes his term on July 31. More on this in the coming weeks; and be on the lookout for application information soon.
- Search Committee (assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources). The search committee, chaired by Elizabeth Hawkins, has reviewed applications and identified candidates to invite to the Columbus campus for interviews in June. The candidate seminars will be held on June 16, June 21, and June 22. The seminars will have Zoom options, and they will be recorded and shared.
- Taking Action. I shared the Enterprise Trust Index initial results with all of you recently, and I promised that leadership would move on the findings. Since then, both Extension Cabinet and our Extension Leadership Team have met and spent significant time reviewing the information and identifying the top three priorities to build out our first 90-day action plans. Information about these plans will be shared during our June 13 director’s video. Your feedback was heard, and we are listening. We look forward to making key progress to address areas we can improve and for which we have control.
- Advocacy on Compression and Equity. For areas where we do not have control, such as compression and equity and pay rates at the university, we will continue to advocate for positive forward movement. As such, I am happy to report that after the university eventually allowed the submission of compression and equity plans (January 6, 2023), following the implementation of Career Roadmap, we have been actively and expeditiously providing every level of detail, rationale, adjustment, and data point requested. Our plan is currently under review at the university level. The university is a large entity, and there are hundreds of requests under review by the Office of Human Resources’ compensation team. Extension is not the only unit under consideration; and again, we ask for patience during this process. If we had the control to pull the lever, I can assure you, we would have done so much earlier. However, we don’t control the process, the pace, and the final determination of wages. We will keep you updated and share details when they are available.
Thank you again for your dedication to the Extension mission, your positive representation of our organization throughout the state, and your passion for serving the people of Ohio along with your colleagues.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, Jackie
Assistant Director, Community Development Seminar Recording and Feedback Request
-per Pat Bebo, assistant director, Family and Consumer Sciences

Thank you to those who joined the presentation in-person and online by David Civittolo, candidate for the assistant director, Community Development. David presented his vision for the Extension Community Development program in Ohio, as well as an overview of the work of CD. This would be an informative presentation for all to view. After viewing the presentation, please complete the anonymous Qualtrics survey to provide feedback to the committee. Responses will be collected through Wednesday, May 31. Thank you for your attention, time, and feedback to this important process. If you have any questions, email Pat at bebo.1@osu.edu.
- Presentation recording
- Qualtrics survey
State of OSU Extension and Director's Update Recording is Now Available

The link for the April 25 State of OSU Extension address is available online. A copy of Jackie’s additional slides is attached. Several supporting materials are included on that landing page; and additional information will be added to the page as available.
Thoughts from the Director

March has already been full of many excellent opportunities to build and nurture our relationships in Extension, and more are forthcoming in the next few weeks. I just returned from the APLU Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) and Administrative Heads conference with our government affairs team and CARET reps (Nate Andre and Tony Logan) in D.C., where we met with eight of our congressional members’ offices to discuss the importance of continued support of the Farm Bill and appropriations for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act (as well as other lines of funding). We were able to share many of the successes of our college and OSU Extension; and we received a lot of great feedback and verbal support on the importance of our work, particularly as it relates to rapid responses to community needs such as the East Palestine train derailment (kudos again to Haley Shoemaker and our knowledgeable and agile rapid response team). We will continue sharing our strengths and successes at the CFAES Legislative Luncheon this week at the statehouse, where we have representation from many of our experts in the areas of water quality, rural broadband, workforce development, and behavioral health (including mental health, child and family work, and prevention education).

Extension participated in two departmental external reviews (Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership; Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering). We were able to share some information regarding our collaboration and partnerships with both departments and identify additional opportunities for achieving the missions (teaching, research, and Extension) in the future.

The CFAES State of the College is this Thursday, as is the CFAES awards ceremony and emeriti luncheon. I hope that you will participate (in-person or online) to learn more about what has been achieved this last year and where the college is headed. We will be sharing own State of OSU Extension in mid-April (more information coming soon).

Next week, we will be meeting with our Extension Internal Advisory Council, State Extension Advisory Council, and Extension Partnership Advisory Council. Our input from our advisory councils is so very important to us, and we have tremendous champions for Extension on each of these councils.

I had fabulous Lean-in Tour visits with Henry and Fulton counties earlier this month and enjoyed meeting with our team as well as key stakeholders in both places. I topped that tour off with a visit to Camp Palmer and time with about 80 camp counselors from the region. This week, I head to Noble County. I am over halfway through my tour and so very grateful for all the amazing work being done in each and every community. You are truly changing lives through Extension scholarship, research application, and stakeholder relationships!

Ramadan begins this week; it is the Muslim holy month, and nearly 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide will observe it in some form. More information about how to support OSU Extension participants in Ramadan is shared by Whitney Gherman below.

Thank you for taking part in the baseline ETI survey. We had 76% participation and look forward to receiving the preliminary results with our taskforce on April 21. We will be sharing more about this as details become available.

I hope you have a month full of additional fulfilling relationship building that brings you joy both in your professional and personal lives. We have much to be proud of and grateful for in Extension.

Thank you, Jackie
LifeWork Balance Townhall set for March 28

Please join me (Jackie Kirby Wilkins) and a few of our Buckeye Wellness ambassadors for a townhall discussion on LifeWork balance in Extension – March 28, from 11am-noon. We will discuss and share some best practices, expectations, myth busting, resource sharing, and remaining needs and ideas for continued improvement in this critical area of professional/personal balance. The Zoom meeting will allow for up to 300 participants. I look forward to the conversation and collaboration. Join the meeting at osu.zoom.us/j/97848148308?pwd=MldIVGZBWXIrSDF3V2o1RnorNzhvQT09. The meeting ID is 978 4814 8308, and the password is 658783.
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are already coming to the end of February and kicking off March in a matter of days. I hope you are all enjoying the warmer days and sunshine in preparation for the remaining weeks of winter in Ohio.

These last few weeks have been filled with a great variety of activities, travel, and intentional engagement. I just came back from San Diego as part of 4-H ECOP to plan, with part of the national 4-H Program Leaders Working Group, our national strategy for growing 4-H and increasing access for all youth. Kirk and Hannah joined their peers shortly thereafter, and have excellent strategies and resources for helping the youth in Ohio explore their potential and find their spark. A few of us (Kirk, Lisa McCutcheon, and Adrienne Anderson) joined Intel at COSI this week to learn more about resources and professional development available through the Intel Foundation, STEM Next Opportunity Fund, and the Ohio Afterschool Network to create STEM and STEAM educational opportunities for 4-H youth across Ohio!

I was honored to join some of our Extension team (Sam Custer, David Marrison, Gary Gao, Andrew Holden, and Melanie Ivey) at the Ohio Grape and Wine Conference this week, where we were able to support our industry partners and growers and hear about the great appreciation they have for our educators and researchers at Ohio State. I have also been able to watch and be incredibly grateful for how our CFAES team has come together to support the East Palestine community. Special thanks goes out to Haley Shoemaker, our ANR educator in Columbiana County, for her leadership in coordinating our team to support the local agencies with addressing critical issues and questions brought on by the derailment emergency.

As always, there are so many amazing things going on across Ohio in OSU Extension. I never cease to be impressed by our compassion, caring, engagement, and expertise. Our Extension culture is strong and a daily reflection of our mission to deliver solutions for Ohioans. Thank you for all you do – no one does it better!

Grateful, Jackie
OSU Extension Trust Edge Survey
As many of you are aware, Extension is conducting an organization-wide employee survey. We are conducting this survey to get a better understanding of employee morale, satisfaction, and engagement at OSU Extension. Your opinions are important to us, and this survey is your chance to express those opinions. We will use the survey results for three purposes:
- To recognize and build upon our organizational strengths.
- To identify areas where additional improvements are necessary.
- To continue enhancing our organizational culture, focusing on our Extension Keys and the eight pillars in Trusted Leader.
The survey is being managed by an independent survey company. This outside company will host the survey and collect your responses online. All responses will remain strictly anonymous. We will not be able to trace individual responses back to you. OSU Extension managers will only see aggregated data for groups of four or more respondents. If an individual manager has fewer than four direct reports, those responses will be combined and shared as part of the aggregated data for the group reporting to the next manager “up the org chart.” Please be thoughtful, honest, and candid when you complete the survey.

Once the report is made available to us (anticipated early to mid-April), we will share the results with the entire organization so you can see for yourself how we are doing. After the survey is completed, the Extension Leadership Team will meet with groups to discuss plans to continue our work to create a culture based on trust, inclusion, care, adaptability, and efficiency that positions us to be an employer of choice and a champion of the land-grant mission. As of Feb. 22, we have a 30% response rate. We would like to get 100% participation to ensure that each and every employee's voice is heard. When you receive the survey request, please give it your prompt attention.

Notes: People hired after November 2022 will not get the survey. The employee list had to be pulled in November, and adding new people is not possible now. The survey link in each email is unique to that individual; it should NOT be forwarded or used by someone else. When a question says “supervisor,” that means the employee’s direct supervisor/manager – the person who has management responsibility for that employee and performs the performance review. When a question says “Extension Administrative Cabinet,” that means the director, associate director, associate chair, assistant directors (4-H, FCS, ANR, CD), directors (LOD, Strategic Initiatives and Urban Engagement, Operations, Publishing), communication manager.
Thoughts from the Director

The beginning of this year has brought with it so many incredible gifts and I can’t believe how quickly January has flown by. I have thoroughly enjoyed my beginning annual visits with each department chair, visiting supporters of Extension (TSC in Navarre); participating in the Ohio State Academic Leadership Forum to discuss faculty eminence and learner success; and engaging on lean-in tours with Auglaize, Morrow, and Knox counties. You’ve never enjoyed fruit so much as when you’ve watched Tanner Cooper-Risser get those preschoolers to school us on the benefits of bananas; and watching Liz Ufferman and Barb Hildebrand in Morrow County light up about their 32 years of working side-by-side to engage the public and galvanize the office was electric. This week, I will be flying into Minneapolis to join my North Central Region Extension director colleagues to focus on Extension’s role in improving health and well-being; contributing to a university visit from Philanthropy Ohio (philanthropyohio.org); and then visiting Mercer and Allen counties. These things bring me joy!

But, as we enter into 2023, I am also continually saddened and incensed by the ongoing violence that is occurring so often in our society. Just in recent days, we’ve witnessed senseless and horrific acts of violence committed upon others. Whether this violence occurs as a result of domestic disputes, mental health issues, misuse of power, or discrimination against specific populations, cultures, or races, there is no excuse for this behavior or lack of concern for the well-being of others.

In Extension, our mission is to ensure that, “Ohioans have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they THRIVE.” We have purposely identified our Extension KEYS to consciously engage in lived behaviors that reflect our organizational values. Two of these keys seem particularly relevant in this moment – CARING and INCLUSION.

I hope that, individually and at the community level, we will be particularly intentional about demonstrating caring and inclusion in all aspects of our work lives. It shows up in the little things like how we treat one another in our offices, how we model handling conflict and differences of opinion, and how we encourage one another to have important conversations and seek understanding even when we don’t always agree with another person’s perspective. We have opportunities each and every day to model caring and inclusion with one another and with those whom we serve.

As Dean Kress mentioned in her message to the college last Friday: “Part of our University Shared Values is a commitment to care and compassion, and we will continue to support one another as Buckeyes. We also affirm our conviction that racism and inequality have no place in CFAES, and our CFAES Principles of Community serve as a base for managing these actions.”

I want to be clear – racism and inequality have no place in Extension. If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence, discrimination or racism, please be encouraged to report it and to remember that we, as Ohio State employees, have access to a variety of resources, including the Employee Assistance Program and the Wexner Medical Center’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) program.

Additionally, the Divided Community Project at the Moritz College of Law has planned a virtual Zoom “office hour” on Wed., Feb. 1 (1-2 p.m.). You can listen to discussions or ask for a separate consultation in a breakout room with the Divided Community leadership and staff, their Bridge Initiative mediators, and invited law enforcement and community conciliators from around the country.

Let’s all do what we can, separately and together, to create the world where everyone is safe, respected, and has a sense of belonging.

Thank you, Jackie
OSU Extension Director’s Video Update – Jan. 24 Recording is Available

The link for the most recent Director’s Video Update is now available online. A copy of the slides as a PDF is also available for reference.

The dates for future 2023 Director’s Video Updates are planned as follows: March 7, April 25, June 13, July 25, Sept 12, Oct 31, and Dec. 12. All updates are held at 9am, and they are recorded for anyone who cannot listen live that day. You must register for each update; and a registration message will be sent two to three weeks ahead of each video. Note: dates may change if there is a major conflict with a college-level or other priority event in the future. The dates are listed on the Extension state calendar as well at extension.osu.edu/events/calendar.
Welcome to 2023

Whether you make new year’s resolutions or not, there’s a lot to consider as you think about your overall purpose and plan of action for the upcoming year. As you think about those plans, possibilities, projects, and much more, remember also there seems to be no shortage of special “months” to celebrate! For example, January alone is National Blood Donor Month, Mental Wellness Month, Poverty Awareness Month, Eye Care Month, Financial Wellness Month, and International Creativity Month, just to name a few. Go ahead – we know you want to Google it now! As you serve Ohioans this year, remember that many of these topics and resources tie in well with the work you and your colleagues are already doing. And other topics might give you some food for thought in the days ahead! These can provide some great ideas for unique ways to connect with our audiences around the state.

We’re glad you’re working with OSU Extension in 2023. We welcome your expertise, passion, enthusiasm, and creativity – every month of the year!
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

As of last week, it looks like winter is definitely arriving in full force. While I love to see the first snow of the season, it is nice when it comes in gentle and light. I am thinking of our peers in northeastern Ohio and hoping everyone has been staying safe and warm. I wanted to take just a moment to thank all of our employees, family, and friends who are veterans or are currently in service to our country. We have such a debt of gratitude for those who give up their time and skills, and sometimes their lives to protect and preserve our country and the many blessings that come from living here. Thank you!

I want to thank all of you for taking on this incredible mission of Extension. I just met this past week with our state Extension advisory councils, and I was able to share the many amazing things happening across our state because each of you has identified local needs, put your best selves and expertise forward, and are truly impacting lives and the fabric of the communities we serve. What you do is not easy and a great deal is expected from you, but I believe in your abilities and I see your passion for your service; and I am always confident in your success and exceedingly grateful that you have chosen to use these gifts in Extension. Thank you!

I hope you have taken days off this week to enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones. Work is not going anywhere – it will still be there when you return. Give time to yourselves and those who matter most in your lives this Thanksgiving season.

Please though, before you go, remember to complete your registration for our forthcoming annual conference as the deadline is rapidly approaching; and I, for one, can’t wait to see everyone in person in early December.

Constantly and overflowingly grateful for you all!
Best wishes for a blessed and happy holiday season, Jackie

(photos via freeimages.com and pexel)
Associate Director of Operations – Candidate Presentations, Q&A Announced for Nov. 2, Nov. 9
Four candidates have accepted an invitation for an on-campus interview for the OSU Extension Associate Director of Operations position. Each candidate will share a seminar/presentation and be available for questions at the times noted below. You are invited to attend the seminars live or by Zoom, or view the recordings later and share feedback via surveys that will be made available after the interviews are completed.
- Candidate A – Nov. 2 (9:15-10:30 a.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/94084753257?pwd=bFJvd2QwZXBIb3Q3SWh0blZFaGk0QT09. Meeting ID = 940 8475 3257, passcode = 097001
- Candidate B – Nov. 2 (1:45-3 p.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/97806791635?pwd=cS9haE5CR2MxeUhkUmNEbHZRVGw1Zz09. Meeting ID = 978 0679 1635, passcode = 698259
- Candidate C – Nov. 9 (9:15-10:30 a.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/97584473842?pwd=cE03MVppMm1VeVVDZ0FZcGZrV0FqQT09. Meeting ID = 975 8447 3842, passcode = 199229
- Candidate D – Nov. 9 (1:30-2:45 p.m.) Seminar will be held in room 250A, Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus. The Zoom link is https://osu.zoom.us/j/95551177574?pwd=b1o5WkVVeU52eU16ZVVkVHJqR2I1dz09. Meeting ID = 955 5117 7574, passcode = 782070
Thoughts from the Director

Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are already entering into the final quarter of 2022! This year has literally flown by. This last month in particular has been especially jam-packed with lots of events and engagements. Our FCS professionals have recently returned from their national conference where they received many accolades for the work being accomplished in Ohio. Farm Science Review celebrated its 60-year anniversary with well over 115,000 participants; and, once again, our Extension professionals were able to highlight and translate so much of the research being done here at Ohio State with more than 200 distinct educational programs and activities. Many of our support staff were able to travel to North Carolina to participate in the annual TERSSA conference and network with and learn beside many of their national counterparts. Our 4-H team kicked off a new Google partnership to continue to build the workforce of the future in technology-related careers. Many of our 4-H professionals are headed this week to NEA4-HYDP for their annual professional conference. Each of these engagements represents opportunities where we share our expertise and leave having learned much ourselves. It’s one of my absolute favorite parts of being in Extension— lifelong learning for everyone.

We will have another opportunity to both share and learn with one another at our forthcoming annual conference in December. The call for proposals has been extended through this Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 11:59 p.m. Please be sure to get your submissions in, so we can learn from you as well.

I continue to enjoy my Lean-in county tour visits. It has been one of the highlights of my year, so far. In the last few weeks, I was in Cuyahoga, Erie, Paulding, and Defiance counties. On Friday, I was visited Columbiana and Stark counties. I have enjoyed engaging with all of the staff, stakeholders, partners, and commissioners. I have been able to participate in SNAP -Ed programs, elementary school STEM initiatives, farm visits, and meet-ups with volunteers and donors, plus hear and see instances where our work is impacting real lives each and every day.

I’ve also gotten to hear about the real struggles related to the ongoing issues with COVID-19, the impact of various policies or platforms on Extension professionals, as well as ideas and opportunities for continuing to make our lives and our work easier. I look forward to keeping the conversations going.

I hope that, as we enter the fall, each of you will think about how to block some time off on your calendars each day to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and larger blocks of time through the holidays to spend with family and friends before the rest of 2022 races by.

Stay well, Jackie
Register for Director’s Video Update – Oct. 11

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. Registration is required. You can register online at osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Mk3dlvAvT2Gvy1G3KK1N9g. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on Oct. 11. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar.

The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Note: This webinar will be presented via CarmenZoom, which is supported by the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation.
New Area Leaders are On Board with OSU Extension

Several new area leaders have recently joined OSU Extension. As of Oct. 10, Lindsey Latscha joined the Franklin County office of OSU Extension (area 17) as area leader/program director. As of Aug. 15, Megan Arnold became area leader/program director for Lucas and Wood counties (area 2); and Victoria Mullins became area leader/program director in Hamilton and Butler counties (area 21). They can be reached at latscha.1@osu.edu; arnold.276@osu.edu; and mullins.586@osu.edu. Many thanks to Greg Davis (area 2 interim area leader), Julie Fox (area 17 interim area leader), and Nate Arnett (area 21 interim area leader) for their assistance.
Thoughts from the Director
Friends,

Mesmerized is the word that comes to mind to describe my visits across the state these last few months. There is no substitute for actually seeing and engaging in the work of Extension at its very roots. Simply driving across our great state and taking in its beauty and diversity has been quite breathtaking; but what is really stunning is hearing about and witnessing the magic that is happening in the communities and within our offices. Each county is clearly identifying local needs and designing programs and offerings that best meet those needs, but some common themes for the recipe of success have been evident:
- Community partnerships – We can’t and we shouldn’t do this work alone. The breadth of partnerships and the collegiality is key for meeting the needs of the community while reinforcing our strength, energy, and resources.
- Innovation – Trying new approaches, programs, and applications is valuable. It may not always pan out immediately (or at all), but there are always lessons learned and progress toward the future gained.
- Spin clubs – As we strive to reach more youth across the state, SPIN clubs offer great flexibility and provide important opportunities to meet member and advisor needs.
- Farm/site visits – As we get busy, these important connection sites begin to lag or fall off the schedule. It is important to make the time to be out in the community with our clientele and partners. This is where much of the magic happens and relationships are built and ideas and needs are shared.
- Volunteer development and utilization – Our volunteers are our arms and legs (and heart) that help us effectively engage in the community and expand our reach. When we recruit well, train them up, and give them some authority, we not only create room for ourselves but we also gain amazing ambassadors.
- Youth leadership – I have been so impressed with our teen leaders across the state. It gives me so much faith in the future.
- Advisory committee advocacy – Our advisory committees help identify community needs, provide support for the work we do, and are amazing advocates on our behalf. If you haven’t already engaged your program and/or Extension advisory committees, you are missing a key factor for success.
- Commissioner support – It has been a true pleasure getting to meet and partner with the commissioners across the state. Whether it is sharing our impacts, discussing local issues and opportunities, or identifying what we can do through our organization to help them meet the needs of their constituents, we have some great potential for collective impact when we nurture these relationships.
I have already witnessed so many amazing things happening as a result of these approaches and efforts. I hope that you will all feel encouraged to build those local relationships and partner to identify local needs that we can truly impact; you know you can take chances and try new things without worrying about whether it is perfectly successful; you are encouraged to be out and about engaging with your community partners and clientele; and that you have the support for doing your work well – in the way that makes sense – where you are and how you need to do it.

Keep up the excellent work! You are truly improving the quality of lives in your neighborhoods.

And don’t forget – If you are able, get out to Farm Science Review this week to celebrate its 60-year anniversary! Check out the schedule and come visit; more info is posted at fsr.osu.edu.

Grateful for you, Jackie
Director’s Video Update – Aug 30 Recording is Available

The link to Jackie’s director’s video update (with transcript) on Aug. 30 is now available online. Click here to access the PDF of the video slides that accompanied the video.

The other Director’s Video Updates for this year are planned for Oct. 11 and Nov. 22. All updates will be held at 9am, and they will be recorded for anyone who cannot listen live that day. The dates are listed on the state calendar as well at extension.osu.edu/events/calendar. Each date will be re-confirmed about two to three weeks ahead of the update, with a link to register for the update.
Recognizing the Contributions of Julie Strawser

We want to acknowledge once again the contributions of Julie Strawser, former ANR state office employee, who died on Aug. 9. Julie worked for many years with OSU Extension, including the income tax schools, the ANR website, and numerous state-level tasks that greatly helped our ANR professionals throughout the state. She had most recently worked with the CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and CFAES special events. Julie was known for her work ethic, kind words, and happy heart. She will be missed. Her obituary was published online at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/julie-strawser-10883026.
Thoughts from the Director

Jackie is on vacation this week and wanted to encourage each of you to secure some time on your calendars to spend with friends and family, to get off the grid and away from work and email, and to refuel. Have a great day!
Thank you again!

Last week was Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week. Thank you once again for the important role you play in advancing Ohio State’s mission through your efforts as part of OSU Extension. You can visit the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week webpage for more information about activities that occurred throughout the week and links to other important information.
Thoughts from Jackie
The last two weeks were full of really wonderful chances to get out and about in the state. I was able to attend a portion of the ANR retreat and listen to some excellent presentations by our educators, field specialists, and state specialists on critical topics facing our state and our employees. I also had a chance to watch Dianne Shoemaker make her final presentation for OSU Extension and offer some of her key lessons learned during her prestigious career, including:
- Know what you know
- Know what you don’t know
- Recruit help when needed
- Be available to help others
- Make a plan to learn
- Use our (your!) resources
- Maintain confidentiality
Then I was able to spend time at the inaugural SPARK Expo for 4-H and get a glimpse into the passions of our next generation of leaders and workforce. It was an excellent collaboration with many of our CFAES department faculty and staff and our 4-H team to ignite curiosity and provide hands on exploration of talent and interest of youth. It was so impressive to watch Extension in its optimal form across these two events-- participants, partners, and Extension professionals coming together to explore and apply knowledge in ways that reach people when and how they need it.

Then on Wednesday of this last week, I participated in a solar farm tour in Brown County. Innergex provided us with an opportunity to see their operation and learn more about their relationship with Extension, Farm Bureau, local decision makers, and how they engage with neighbors of their solar farms. It was very enlightening; and we were able to highlight our Extension energy outreach group and our Energize Ohio resources, as well as discussing some opportunities for future internships and scholarships for 4-H.

Then on Friday, I got the chance to visit southeastern Ohio during my lean-in tour of Vinton and Athens counties. I had the privilege of participating in preparing food packages for families at a local food pantry, judging a market rabbit project, and visiting for quite a while with all of our staff to learn more about what drew them to Extension, what each of them is doing currently, and answering questions they have. My husband and I then spent a day visiting places and spaces within the two counties that we had not been before including Lake Hope, the Moonville tunnel, and historic Nelsonville. Thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome, sharing more about your work and lives with me, and giving me the opportunity to participate in some of your daily efforts. It was so apparent that our Extension faculty and staff have such a passion for the work that they do, the people they serve, and a true caring for one another. I look forward to visiting Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Pickaway counties in the next two weeks.

This weekend (July 4) is Independence Day; and I do hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy a long weekend, reflect on the importance of this historical day, and spend time outside in this fabulous weather (and perhaps a wish for some well-timed rain). I also hope you will join me in a July challenge to turn off or silence your phones after work and when visiting with family or friends; and see how many days in July you can unlock your phones less than an average of 50 times. I’ll be checking back in to see how effective we have been with owning our phones and not letting them own us. (stars and stripes via freeimages.com)

Thank you for all you do, Jackie
Next Director’s Video Update will be Held on July 19

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 9am. Registration is required. You can register online.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on July 19. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar.

The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.

Note: This webinar will be presented via CarmenZoom, which is supported by the new Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (which includes the former Office of Distance Education and eLearning) being implemented this spring.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

The last few weeks have been very exciting and full of wonderful partnerships and things to celebrate. We were able to participate in a new partnership visit with approximately 25 leaders from all over the globe with Intel at the Hartford County Fair. The goal was to allow an opportunity for Intel representatives to meet our youth and learn about their 4-H experience and for Intel to share details about employment opportunities at its new facility, and the training or educational pathways that will be needed for those interested in those positions. Many thanks go out to the Licking County team and youth and the Hartford Fair for a very successful introduction to what I imagine will be a very mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.

The "Lean in" Tour led me through Medina and Lorain counties last week. I had the great pleasure of meeting our new Medina County commissioner, Colleen Swedyk, and helping our camp counselors put together materials for camp (I had an unexpected visit with my niece, who will be volunteering for all three camps this year). In Lorain, we hosted some county economic development leaders and shared many highlights of Extension’s focus and reach in building vital communities and growing leaders of tomorrow. I learned a great deal about the growth of each county’s programs since I was there last (pre-COVID); and I can honestly say these visits are very refueling and quite inspiring.

Our urban Extension team was in Camden, New Jersey recently; and our community development professionals were in Indianapolis this week. It is clear that Ohio is a valued partner in co-creating communities where all Ohioans can live, work, and play. Next week, our ANR professionals meet in Troy, Ohio for their annual retreat entitled “TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More.” And 4-H will be hosting its 4-H SPARK EXPO (EXploring Pathway Opportunities) for youth to explore college and career pathways and meet with many of our CFAES colleagues.

In the coming days, we also will be celebrating Father’s Day (June 19). Thank you to all of our fathers and grandfathers in Extension for making a difference in the lives of your families, while making a difference in our communities. (photo via freeimages.com)

We also commemorate Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”), which honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday. (image available via freepik.com)

Have an excellent weekend; and thank you for being you and bringing your skills and passion to Extension!

Grateful, Jackie
Next Director’s Video Update will be Held on June 14

Registration is required for the next Director’s Video Update on Tuesday, June 14 at 9am. You can register online.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on June 14. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

These last few weeks have been especially difficult as we continue to experience the loss of Americans as a result of hate crimes. No lives should ever be lost because of racial hatred. Our thoughts are with these families, communities, and all Americans who continue to experience discrimination and violence due to prejudice and intolerance. OSU Extension is committed to inclusion and caring; and it is my greatest hope that we will be leaders in embracing differences, serving all, and ensuring that everyone knows they have a home in Extension as employees, participants, and partners in making our world a place where all Ohioans can thrive. Please consider how we can continue to amplify and live our Extension Keys at lod.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/organizational-development/extension-keys and personify our CFAES Principles of Community at brand.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/campaigns/principles-community.

The "Lean in" Tour had a wonderful launch last Friday in Logan County, where I was able to meet our new 4-H educator (Sarah Dailey), spend time with one of our county commissioners (Mark Robinson), participate in camp counselor training at Camp Clifton (surprised Fayette County there), and visit local landmarks (Campbell Hill-- highest point in Ohio, first concrete road in America, Clifton Mill, Piatt Castle, and Indian Lake). Thank you to Stephanie Knight and Kathy Tutt for kicking the tour off with such a great itinerary. I am looking forward to making my way across all 88 counties this year. We currently have 43 visits scheduled between now and February (see attached list) and expect to make additional 2023 dates available next week.

We remain committed to the growth, development, and recognition of all of employees. As such, we have much to celebrate as many of our Extension faculty and our A&P staff have received notification of their promotion or promotion and tenure. Commitment to engaging in Extension scholarship, including excellence in teaching, creative and scholarly works, and service is required for success in promotion (differing by educator and faculty levels); and we want to applaud their hard work and dedication to our land-grant mission. Congratulations to all of our successful candidates; a complete list will be shared in the near future.

Safe travels to our contingency attending the National Urban Extension Conference this week in Camden, New Jersey. We will be celebrating Nicole Debose's selection as the NEUL National Leadership Award winner for NUEC 22. She is being recognized as an “Extension leader who made exceptional contributions to urban programming.”

Please enjoy your extended Memorial Day holiday weekend, and I hope you find ways in which you can honor the military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces and showing gratitude to those currently serving our country. We especially thank our Extension professionals who serve in the military and the National Guard. We owe you all so much! As we see what is happening in Ukraine and across the world, we know how very important this service is to us all and to our continued freedom and safety. Photo courtesy of freeimages.com (photo by bencwright)

If you haven’t reviewed the story about President Johnson’s participation in the AAU (Association of American Universities) Zoom meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, check it out at news.osu.edu/president-johnson-participates-in-aau-meeting-with-ukrainian-president.

I hope you enjoy your well-deserved long weekend. Shut off those phones, stay away from work (it will be there when you get back on Tuesday), and truly get off the grid and refuel. There is much to be grateful for and I am so very grateful for each of you.

Best regards, Jackie
Next Director’s Video Update Will be Held on June 14

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, June 14 at 9am. Registration is required. You can register online. Please note – this is a change from the previously announced June 7 date.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on June 14. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date. Note: This webinar will be presented via CarmenZoom, which is supported by the new Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (which includes the former Office of Distance Education and eLearning) being implemented this spring.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

With next week being Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 27), I wanted to take a moment to specifically highlight the work of all of our tremendous information assistants, office assistants, and office associates. The talent and dedication you all provide to OSU Extension is invaluable and cannot possibly be measured or appreciated enough. You are often the first and lasting impression our clientele have of our organization as you greet them and are an ambassador for our mission. You bring your vast talents and positive energy to every activity, each and every day. You go out of your way to answer questions, solve problems, proactively provide resources, and ensure that every interaction with those seeking something from Extension leave with information, solutions, and an excellent customer experience. You provide key support to the work of everyone in the office, whether it is customer engagement, handling travel and financial support, managing schedules, maintaining equipment and office supplies, keeping the office/building maintained and organized, assisting with communications and marketing, helping with program materials and sessions, supporting volunteers and committees, and a million other things that cannot possibly be captured in this note. I know it sounds quaint, but you are truly the glue that holds everything together – we would be lost without you, your commitment and dedication, and your individual contribution of time and talents that make coming to the office special for everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Best wishes, Jackie
OSU Extension Director's Video Update

The next Director’s Video Update will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 9am. Registration is required. You can register online at osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j-b9rlZhTLGdF1el5SyhFA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on April 26. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

This event will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Cheryl Buck at buck.19@osu.edu or 614-292-4880. Requests made by 10 business days before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

It is hard to believe that March is already over and spring is upon us. Soon, we should be experiencing fewer cold days and more warm and sunny moments, with plenty of spring showers to help everything grow and bloom. April is national garden month and I know we are all looking forward to prepping our gardens and watching our flower beds come alive. Our Master Gardener Volunteers are rearing to go full force; and our ag and natural resources educators have been working hard through the winter to provide our farmers with all of the tools and resources necessary to have a successful planting season.

April is also national Earth Month and we are looking forward to celebrating Earth Day on April 22, in partnership with our of School of Environment and Natural Resources with activities for youth that build awareness of our earth’s resources and how to be good stewards (see more information below).

National Stress Awareness Month falls in April as well. Spring offers us lots of opportunities to focus on stress reduction. Our FCS Healthy Living Team is providing a new Healthy Living Resources telecast on April 14 (all day) that will focus on health, wellness, and the impact that stress has on our lives. We also can be intentional about taking our lunch breaks (perhaps outside or together with our office), incorporating walking meetings into our schedule (in-person or on phones away from Zoom), starting an office walking club or challenge, and making time every hour or so to stand, stretch, and refocus.

April is also time to celebrate our colleagues. April 27 is Administrative Professionals' Day, and it is never too early to plan a way to share our appreciation for everything our Extension staff does to support our mission and be the ambassadors of our work with the public. They truly are central to our success as an organization. I also want to hold up some of our colleagues who have been recently recognized during the CFAES State of the College. Kudos to our faculty and staff who received the inaugural college-level Extension awards and to all of our Buckeye Years of Service awards (see details below).

Please take time to enjoy the promise of spring and to celebrate all of the moments that lighten our days and bring us joy in this work.

With gratitude for all you do, Jackie
Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

I hope each one of you is taking time to enjoy the moments of sunshine and promises of warmth inserting themselves between the cold and wet, as winter exits and spring begins. This weekend we spring forward, so don’t forget to adjust your clocks. It is always a joy getting to wake up to brighter mornings and slightly longer days as the weather improves. Be on the lookout for, and plan to join and share, our Spring into Wellness Live Healthy Live Well email challenge and look for some outdoor activity challenges through Your Plan For Health (yp4h.osu.edu). Now is a great time to initiate some lunch-time walks or walking meetings into your weekly plan, as opportunity allows.

We are also celebrating Women’s History Month in March. One of the women I will be remembering is my great, great aunt Isabelle BeVier, who was a pioneer in FCS and has her portrait in BeVier Hall at the University of Illinois. There are so many women to celebrate who have made incredible contributions to Extension, academia, and our world at large. Who is on your mind this month?

Finally, I will be presenting our State of Extension address next Tuesday. I hope you will make time on your calendars to join in and hear how OSU Extension has demonstrated the Extension Keys of ADAPABILITY and EFFICIENCY in 2021. You have achieved such incredible things this last year amidst continuing challenges during the pandemic, constant change, and global unrest. I am so very proud of your courage, your persistence, and your positive impact. I am looking forward to sharing and celebrating our successes in 2021 and looking forward to sharing how we can experience a strong, collaborative, and positive 2022.

Grateful for you (all you do, and who you are), Jackie
State of Extension – March 15 Director’s Video Update

The next Director’s Video Update will be a State of Extension address held on Tuesday, March 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. Registration is required; register in advance for this webinar online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on March 15. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation.

Format: 90 minutes is reserved for this State of Extension address. The first 60 minutes will focus on the State of Extension presentation, additional administrative updates and topics (e.g., career roadmap, Workday, Extension Keys, etc.), and Q & A.

The final 30 minutes will be an optional but encouraged opportunity for offices to gather and discuss the Extension goals and priorities shared during the presentation and to think about beginning strategies/tactics for addressing these locally or within your unit. If you plan to use the final 30 minutes for local discussion, you will need to consider your approach, such as setting up a separate Zoom or a face-to-face meeting.

Thank you in advance for making time on your calendar to watch the State of Extension address and for always actively participating in the success of OSU Extension.

If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.
OSU Extension Administration Support Staff Update

We are pleased to announce LaVerne Castle as our new administrative associate for the director’s office. LaVerne actually worked for our office several years ago, then worked for the Office of Institutional Equity, and is now back with OSU Extension. Please email Laverne at castle.206@osu.edu to arrange for meetings with Jackie and other administrative needs. Welcome back LaVerne!
Thoughts from Jackie
Friends,

President Johnson just unveiled the university's shared values initiative; read more online. The timing and content of this initiative is right in alignment with our own rollout of our Extension Keys, which are aimed at identified actions and behaviors that aid us in living our organizational values. In previous messages, I wrote about how we can be intentional about INCLUSION in our work and CARE in our interactions with one another and those we serve. Today, I would like to focus on TRUST. Our Extension key on TRUST includes:
- I teach research-based information.
- I provide high-quality teaching and learning.
- I communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully to create understanding and transparency.
- I am ethical in my decision making.
- I provide access to vast and diverse professional expertise.
- I provide confidentiality and respect to all.
- I am accountable to my co-workers and clientele.
The “I” statements that resonate most with me in the moment are “I communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully to create understanding and transparency” and “I provide confidentiality and respect to all.” Each time I read through the Keys, a different aspect provides me with time for reflection about where I want to focus, what I can improve, or celebrate what I or others are getting right.

Two years into a pandemic and in a world where fast-paced changes are occurring all of the time, it is easy to let the ability to trust slip just a bit. And over time, especially when we are not always face-to-face, much of our work and interactions are accomplished virtually, and we see trust slipping in many spaces in the world around us – trust can tend to slip even more. A lack of trust has a real cost to our teams, our organization, and our clientele. It impacts teamwork, collaboration, funding, reputation and resources, and yes… motivation and morale.

According to David Horsager, author of Trusted Leader: 8 Pillars That Drive Results, as trust decreases, you see an increase in costs, problems, suspicion, attrition, and stress. Alternately, as trust increases, so does morale, retention, productivity, innovation, output, loyalty, and revenue. Just imagine a world where every relationship, every interaction, and every decision each day was built on trust. What would that world look like? What would our workplace look like? Imagine how much time would be saved, how much confidence we could have in those around us, and how much easier it would be to live our lives free of the difficulties that come when trust is missing.

As a leader, I will own my part and keep working hard to ensure you can trust me, trust that I have the best interests of the mission and organization in mind, trust that I am committed to supporting you in your work and attracting and retaining our talent, trust that I will direct time and resources to the things that will continue to move our organization forward in ever-changing times. But we must do this together. We each need to truly reflect on what we are doing each day, and in every interaction, to build and increase trust. We won’t get it right every time, but my hope is that we will keep trying to get it right – and we will see the benefits of creating a culture where trust is key.

Thank you for your efforts toward making OSU Extension a trusted partner and an amazing place to work. I truly am grateful for you, your commitment to our mission, and to one another. Please never hesitate to reach out directly to me with your thoughts and ideas for building trust or any of the other keys this year and beyond.

Best wishes, Jackie
State of Extension – March 15 Director’s Video Update

The next Director’s Video Update will be a State of Extension address held on Tuesday, March 15 from 9-10:30 a.m. Registration is required; register in advance for this webinar online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in information about joining the webinar on March 15. You may need to log into Zoom first, then click on the individualized link in your registration confirmation to access the webinar. The update will be recorded for those who cannot join us for the live presentation. If you have a disability and have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations for this activity, you can request assistance at cfaes.osu.edu/a11y.
Extension Keys – An Update About Next Steps

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