New youth coordinator begins work at Floyd County ISU Extension office

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Erica Holliday hit the ground running on Wednesday, her first day on the job as the new youth coordinator at the Floyd County ISU Extension and Outreach office.

Holliday, age 29, said she was getting herself reacquainted with extension work. Her many duties will include developing and implementing youth programming and outreach, as well as organizing the 4-H program, along with Clover Kids.

“I’m hoping to start some programming and bringing some workshops to the youth in different ways, including online Facebook workshops and things such as that,” Holliday said. “My goal for first 90 days is to get acquainted with 4-H members, volunteers, and their families.”

As youth coordinator, Holliday will provide day-to-day planning and management of the 4-H program and a variety of education outreach programs for area youth. She will work to collaborate with youth, volunteers, staff, and community partners to plan, implement, and evaluate a series of educational programming.

“Our goal is to create programs that will grow our area youth to be successful learners, outstanding communicators, effective leaders, and productive citizens,” Holliday said. “I am very passionate about 4-H and Extension programming.”

Holliday has lived in Charles City for three years. She served as a retail advisor for First Security Bank & Trust, and served as a Howard County youth coordinator for ISU Extension & Outreach for 2½ years. For the past year and half, she has served as a member of the Floyd County 4-H Youth committee.

“I will be working on organizing the ‘Pick a Better Snack’ program for students at Washington Elementary School in Charles City,” she said. “Also, I will be planning a few workshops for area youth to engage in over the winter months.”

Holliday is from Blue Grass in southeast Iowa, where she grew up on a small hobby farm raising cattle and pigs, and graduated from Muscatine High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with emphasis in leadership and project management from the University of Northern Iowa.

She has a long history of involvement in Iowa 4-H and Extension programming. She was an active 9-year 4-H member in Muscatine County, served on State 4-H Council and Speak Out for Military Kids. She has volunteered for the 4-H programs in both Muscatine and Black Hawk County, assisting with fair activities and serving as leader for the county council.

Holliday said that in her free time, she enjoys outdoors activities such as kayaking, hiking and ice fishing.

“Also, I have a passion for traveling,” she said. “I have visited over 27 states and visited England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. I am anxiously awaiting to get to travel more.”

She said she hopes people in the community will reach out to her regarding programs and activities offered by the Extension office.

“I encourage everyone to check out the different programs Floyd County Extension offers,” Holliday said. “If you are interested in wanting to learn more about any youth programs or joining 4-H, feel free to contact me by phone or email.”