PAF Safety Coordinator Spotlight: Jodi Richmond
For more than two decades, Jodi Richmond has been a passionate advocate for youth safety through her work with the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program. Since joining Extension in 2003, Jodi has coordinated PAF Safety Days in two distinctly different communities—one with over 59,000 residents and 24 schools, and the other with fewer than 12,000 people and just four schools. Regardless of the setting, she brings the same energy, commitment, and creativity to each event.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Jodi has been named a 2024 Bernard Geschke Volunteer Service Award honoree, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation. The award celebrates long-standing volunteers who go above and beyond in making their communities safer and more informed.
“Progressive Agriculture Safety Days are a chance to get community members involved and present educational content in a fun, hands-on way,” says Jodi. Over the years, her events have become a beloved annual tradition. One school principal even proclaimed, “Today is Safety Day, our favorite day of the year!”
Jodi’s journey with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) began when she learned about the program from a former agent. Inspired by the resources and support PAF offered, she completed her training and never looked back. “When I started twenty years ago I really had no idea where to start and was excited to find them as an option,” she shared. “Over the years, the Foundation has increased content and support and also provides an opportunity to connect with other coordinators to get ideas about what works for them.”
Beyond her local work, Jodi contributes her leadership and perspective at the national level as a member of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation’s Board of Directors, where she currently serves as Secretary. Her role helps ensure the continued success and strategic direction of the organization.
Her work has made a lasting impact. Jodi recalls a tragic incident where a young girl lost her leg while riding on a lawn mower with an adult. “She had not been through a safety day, and I don’t know if someone would have made a different choice if they were reminded of the possible consequences,” Jodi reflected. These moments are stark reminders of how critical safety education is—especially for children.
Still, it’s the joyful moments—the bright smiles, the curiosity, and the lessons that stick—that keep her going. Kids frequently share how much they loved Safety Day, and Jodi makes a point to ask what they learned and whether they’ve shared it with their families. “One of the most fun things about my job is going into schools to teach kids about agriculture,” she says. “This program allows me to have an entire school focused on ag and safety.”
Jodi has also played a key role in inspiring new leaders. “Two staff members of Extension in my neighboring county have participated several times in my program and decided to have one too,” she proudly noted.
To anyone considering getting involved with PAF, Jodi offers encouragement: “I share about this program all the time to other potential coordinators, parents, and possible donors. PAF has significant experience and is a wonderful resource with curriculum and activities. They really are making a difference.”
Thank you, Jodi, for your tireless dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting children and strengthening communities. Your impact is felt far and wide.