Progressive Ag Foundation Hires Neal as Program Support Specialist

The Progressive Agriculture Foundation welcomes Toby Neal of Rochester, Minn., as its new program support specialist. Bringing more than 10 years of experience in volunteer management and youth development, Neal will officially begin his role with the Foundation on Aug. 8.

As program support specialist, Neal will work closely with the nearly 400 volunteer Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (PAF Safety Day) Coordinators overseeing the Program's volunteer management and training systems, in addition to leading the charge in processing all resource orders and inventory. He will also provide extensive support through data management and reporting.

"Toby's passion for farm safety and health, as well as the PAF Safety Day program, has been evident since he took on the role of a PAF Safety Day Coordinator several years back," said Jana Davidson, program manager for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation. "Toby's progression through the PAF Safety Day program from a youth participant to a local volunteer to a lead coordinator is a unique, rare milestone. His experience and knowledge of the Program will likely prove to be a valuable asset as he mentors both new and returning PAF Safety Day Coordinators."

Most recently Neal served as a 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota for Dodge and Mower counties. He holds an Associate Degree in Wildlife Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education from the Pennsylvania State University, as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instructional Design from Concordia University of Nebraska.

"I am extremely excited to become a member of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation team," said Neal. "It truly feels great to have come full circle from my very first PAF Safety Day as a fourth-grade student in Potter County, Pennsylvania, to now being a staff member of the Foundation."

To learn more about the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, its Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program, and staff, visit: http://www.progressiveag.org.