Brenda Allen named manager of the professional development unit with ISU Extension and Outreach

​   Brenda Allen has been selected as the manager of the professional development unit for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach effective Nov. 23.
    “I am excited to welcome Dr. Allen to this new leadership role,” said Carol Heaverlo, director of extension operations. “Her extensive experience and involvement with professional development at all levels of the organization will continue to create and enhance capacity building opportunities for ISU Extension and Outreach staff, faculty, volunteers and council members.” 
    Allen has worked for ISU Extension and Outreach since 1999, most recently serving as the Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager. She provided leadership and coordination for the Iowa 4-H program’s professional development efforts, including orientation, on-going content and organizational trainings for staff, and support for general staff development. Her emphasis and expertise are in positive youth development and youth-adult partnerships, as well as leadership development. She also has an adjunct assistant professor appointment in Iowa State’s human development and family studies department.
    Previously Allen served as an Iowa 4-H youth development professional development specialist and a state 4-H citizenship and leadership program specialist.
     “4-H Youth Development was my entrance into working with Extension and I certainly have found meaning in the opportunities I've had to build relationships with youth across the state and ensure they have a voice in decision-making,” noted Allen. “Most recently, my work has been focused on working with our staff to help equip them with positive youth development best practices to ensure we're making a positive difference in our communities, and particularly ensuring that youth are valued, feel like they belong, and have a voice in their communities. I look forward to my continued work with Extension staff supporting their professional development goals and the core values of ISU Extension and Outreach, which serves all of Iowa.”
    Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies secondary education from University of Northern Iowa, a master’s in counselor education from Iowa State University and her doctorate in human development and family studies from Iowa State University.
    Allen is the daughter of Roger and Nancy Allen of Montezuma and a graduate of Montezuma High School.