Agenda

Wed
Sep 03
8:30 am Welcome & Connections

Alison DePenning, Professional Development
Connect with other new staff, discover shared goals, and see how your role contributes to meaningful change across Iowa.

9:00 am Morning Message

Jason Henderson, Vice President for Extension and Outreach
Learn how our collective efforts empower Iowans through education, innovation, and community engagement.

9:15 am County Services: Supporting Local Impact

RaeAnn Gordon, Field Operations Director
Explore how County Services is the backbone of our outreach, ensuring resources reach every corner of Iowa.

9:30 am Understanding Civil Rights in Our Work

Brenda Allen, Interim Assistant Vice President for Operations
Learn how civil rights compliance strengthens trust and collaboration for our clients and partners and serves as a protection for you as an employee too.

9:45 am Resource Showcase: Explore and Engage

Cy’s Lounge
Get moving as you engage with staff at different booths representing services both within Extension and Outreach and the larger University to ask questions and learn how to access resources that can assist you and/or your teams in your work.

10:15 am Designing for All

Karina Silva, Manager Professional Development
Understand how accessible digital practices ensure that all Iowans can use and benefit from our resources.

10:30 am Bytes and Insights: An AI Hands On Experience

Kris Baldwin, Educational Technology Resources Specialist, Professional Development
This hands-on session will give you a chance to explore AI tools that can increase your productivity and work efficiency.

11:00 am Overview of Program Areas: Driving Change Across Iowa

Community and Economic Development – Lisa Bates, Assistant Director
Health and Human Sciences – Dr. David Brown, Program Specialist
Agriculture and Natural Resources – Jamie Benning, Assistant Director
Youth and 4-H – Mitchell Hoyer, Director and Program Leader
Learn about the priorities of each program area and understand how your role may interface with the departments.

12:00 pm Lunch & Networking

Build relationships that strengthen our statewide impact.
**For those who signed up for a professional photo, photos will begin at 12:30.

1:00 pm Conversations with Operations Unit Leaders

Get your questions answered as you have small group conversations with different Operations Unit leaders about how their teams support our Extension mission. Be prepared to test your knowledge about Operations afterward with a Kahoot quiz too.

2:30 pm Quick Recharge

Break

2:45 pm Marketing Our Brand: Telling Our Story

Megan Bagley, Brand Manager
Learn how strategic branding helps us tell our story and communicate our value to Iowans.

3:00 pm Panel Discussion: Voices of Experience

Engage with seasoned Extension professionals who were once new themselves and hear how shared values have guided their journey and shaped their impact across Iowa.

4:00 pm Farewell and Reflections

Alison DePenning, Professional Development
Close the day with a vision to make a difference for Iowans—every day, in every role.