Two new staff have joined the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Alex Burke, communications specialist, and Krista Smith, farm to early care and education coordinator, both began their new roles in August. Both are Iowa natives and are passionate about advancing food systems and opportunities for local food production and availability within the state.
"There are so many incredible changes happening in Iowa's food systems right now," said Smith. "It feels really good to be at the nucleus of some big changes to local food systems in Iowa."
Smith previously served as farm to early care and education coordinator for the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children. She continues to be involved with the association and looks forward to the reach she will have through ISU Extension and Outreach.
"Within extension, there is an intentional focus on equity and food justice, and that is often the root of farm to school and early care. We really try to center equity in everything that we do," said Smith.
Burke joins Iowa State after holding positions in marketing and general management. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2019 in interactive digital studies with an emphasis in visualization and digital advertising.
One of the things Burke is most looking forward to with FFED is "making a difference for people all across Iowa." She said extension's statewide involvement in the lives of Iowans will give her the chance to see tangible results of the work she and her team do.
Alex Burke."I grew up on an Iowa farm and I'm excited to get back to where my roots originated," said Burke. "I've always enjoyed this state and the small-town feel."
Smith earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Missouri Southern State University in 1995, and spent the first part of her career as an educator in schools and as children's program director at Pleasant Hill Public Library.
Christa Hartsook, small farms program coordinator with FFED, said she is looking forward to working with Burke on communications and outreach.
"The Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team is excited to have Alex join us," said Hartsook. "Her talents will enable us to reach more rural Iowans with relevant information on small farms and opportunities for enterprise development on small farms."
Courtney Long, manager for the Food Systems team within the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program of ISU Extension and Outreach, said she is excited to welcome Krista Smith.
"Krista will support our farm to school and early care state initiatives and is passionate about her work with youth and educators," said Long. "She has experience working as an early childhood director, educator and farm to early care specialist.
Krista Smith can be reached at kristasm@iastate.edu. Alex Burke is available at aburke13@iastate.edu.
Categories: Iowa, Business