By LuAnn Johansen, Rachel Pietsch
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach welcomes Eric Savage as the new east field team lead for the 4-H Youth Development program. He begins the position July 5 and will be housed in the Clinton County office.
Savage will provide leadership to youth, volunteers and fellow youth development professionals, said Luann Johansen, 4-H assistant director and field operations manager. He will develop their capacity to plan, implement and evaluate a series of progressive educational programs and learning experiences that work toward achieving the outcomes of effective leadership, productive citizenship, outstanding communication and successful learning.
“He has professional experience developing, implementing and evaluating innovative positive youth development in-school, afterschool and summer camp programming for youth," Johansen said of Savage. "He leads and works collaboratively, driving positive results in organizational growth and success."
Savage has a doctorate in forestry and natural resources, a master’s degree in human factors psychology and engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics all from Purdue University. He also has a Master of Business Administration in finance from Southern Illinois University. Previously, he has served as an education development program officer and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field representative in Phoenix, Ariz. He also has worked at the HELIOS Foundation, the Science Foundation in Arizona and other private foundations in Arizona.
Savage is looking forward to starting his adventure in positive youth development with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Getting kids excited about STEM-related subjects is germane to 4-H and ISU Extension and Outreach, and I’m honored to continue this important work being a part of the Iowa State team,” Savage said.
