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Growing Expertise and Leadership in Early Career Professionals via Collaborative Team Efforts

Early Career Development

Laine McGee
Agent 1
UT/TSU Extension
Lawrenceburg

Abstract

Consumer horticulture is a high-priority program area for many agents throughout Tennessee. This program area is ever evolving and many of the questions agents receive in county offices pertain to these topics. Therefore, the Tennessee Extension consumer horticulture team has formed a network of agents and specialists to collaboratively deliver research-based information to clientele across the state. This team also empowers early career agents by creating a space for them to learn, grow, contribute, and feel appreciated amongst their peers. 

The consumer horticulture team is comprised of four workgroups: Tennessee Extension Master Gardener, Tennessee Home Fruit and Vegetable, Tennessee Sustainable Landscapes, and Tennessee Consumer Horticulture Marketing and Public Relations. Each workgroup has an intentionally diverse mix of agents and specialists representing all topic areas and regions of the state. Each team recruits members based on specific interests of early career agents. At the end of the year, members of all four workgroups meet in person as the entire consumer horticulture team to collaboratively reflect, develop goals, and plan programs. This facilitates connectivity and synergies between workgroups and transparent communication among team members. Throughout the year, each workgroup’s chair leads a monthly meeting to discuss ideas and update fellow members on action plan progress.

Our statewide consumer horticulture team has consistently and intentionally involved early career professionals in our workgroups as a method of mentoring and building confidence in consumer horticulture. Early career professionals contribute new ideas, creative solutions, and unique areas of expertise. This model fosters a culture of respect and trust where all members are valued and encouraged to share their ideas and skills. Leveraging these unique skillsets and perspectives expands programming delivery methods and increases success at both the county and state program levels.

Authors: Laine McGee, Rachel Painter, Seth Whitehouse, Celeste Scott, Melody Rose, Anna Duncan
  1. Laine McGee Extension Agent I, UT/TSU Extension, Tennessee, 38464
  2. Rachel Painter Extension Agent II, UT Extension, Tennessee, 37229
  3. Seth Whitehouse Extension Agent I, UT Extension, Tennessee, 37756
  4. Celeste Scott Extension Agent I, UT Extension, Tennessee, 38305
  5. Melody Rose Extension Agent III, UT Extension, Tennessee, 37745
  6. Anna Duncan Extension Agent II, UT/TSU Extension, Tennessee, 37355