December visits in Northern Shenandoah, Northern Virginia, and Rockingham County

January 11, 2023

One of the  most rewarding parts of my career has been engaging with Extension faculty and staff, local stakeholders, and elected officials — all while making new friends. For much of my career I have tried to learn as much as I could from those who I was seeking to serve. I always thought we should have real relationships with these individuals. I believe I do this best by meeting with folks where they are and listening  (and, yes, I ask a lot of questions, too).

We held three events in December with our multi-county Planning District Teams in Northern Shenandoah, Northern Virginia, and Rappahannock County, where I met many Extension faculty and staff. I also got to meet some of our amazing Virginia 4-H and Master Gardener Program volunteers. You all were so open with me as you helped me learn more about your needs, your communities’ needs, and the work for which you are rightfully proud. And let me tell you, some of the things you have achieved, like helping a woman move from group housing to her own place, left me speechless — and that is not an easy feat.

I also had a chance to hear from some of our local and state elected officials about the value they place on the work we do from our work supporting our vital agriculture industry to our expertise in natural resources, youth, nutrition, and health to name a few. They voiced their support for you all and our partnership that has endured for numerous decades and in some cases over a century.

One theme I took away from these meetings was that all of you cared deeply for your communities and for the VCE organization. Though I still have a lot to learn, I promise that I am right there with you on this journey. Not just as we tackle the issues, but as we support our communities, their values, and their goals. I still have a lot to learn from our faculty and our communities, so the engagement tour will continue. It is simply the best way to begin building my relationships with you all on the right foot. See you soon!