The Progressive Agriculture Foundation® has named Susan Turner of Tompkinsville, Ky., as its new outreach specialist, and announced the promotion of Jana Davidson to program manager.
In the role of outreach specialist, Turner will play an integral part in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to grow the reach of the foundation’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® programs across North America, while working directly with rural communities.
“Susan has an outstanding record in outreach and youth development, and I am confident that her extensive experience and skill set will help to propel forward the foundation’s mission and impact,” said Brian Kuhl, president and chief executive officer for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge through her involvement on local, regional, and national levels.”
Most recently Turner served as the county extension 4-H youth development agent for the University of Kentucky Extension in Monroe County and has been involved with the foundation’s programs locally since the beginning of her Extension career – taking on the role as lead Safety Day coordinator in 2019.
During her tenure with the Extension system, Turner also served as the southern region director for the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA), now known as the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals?(NAE4-HYDP).
“I am elated to begin the work of strengthening the outreach efforts of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation and its Progressive Agriculture Safety Day programs along as well as working closely with our rural communities for the safety and health of our youth,” said Turner.
“One of the most important life skill lessons we can provide is ensuring that our children have the information they need to make good decisions about their safety and health on the farm, in their homes, and in our communities.”
Turner will begin her role with the foundation on Feb. 22, 2022.
As program manager, Davidson will lead the foundation’s program team overseeing day-to-day and long-range program operations, while continuing to strengthen the overall reach, impact and outcomes of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® programs.
She will guide the program staff through ongoing efforts to reach more children, families, and communities throughout North America to best align with the ongoing needs in rural and farming landscapes.
“Jana’s steadfast decision-making, innovative approach and precision has continued to elevate the foundation’s programming efforts on a global level,” added Kuhl.
“She exhibited exemplary leadership in leading the charge with alternative programming approaches as the Foundation navigated the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with spearheading the creation of the newly established online coordinator training.”
For the past seven years, Davidson was the education content specialist with the foundation playing an instrumental role in expanding the foundation’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® robust curriculum, now comprised of more than 30 topics and hundreds of hands-on demonstrations.
“Since first discovering the program in 2005 while serving in a volunteer capacity, I immediately felt a true connection to the Foundation’s core values, mission and vision,” said Davidson.
“Now, after several years of growth with the program and tasked to help guide Progressive Agriculture Safety Days into the future, I am both honored for the opportunity and excited to work alongside an amazing team.”
To learn more about the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, its Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program and staff, visit: http://www.progressiveag.org.