Karen Poff

Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
(540) 459-6140
kpoff@vt.edu

Karen Poff has worked as an Extension Agent in the Northern Shenandoah Valley since 1987. She currently specializes in programming related to family financial management, housing, and consumer education, serving Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren counties.

Education and Degrees

Master of Public Administration, James Madison University, 1992

Bachelor of Arts, Family and Consumer Studies: Resource Management;

Minor in Industrial and Technical Communications, Radford University, 1987.

Certifications

Accredited Financial Counselor, 2007 to present.

Work Experience

Senior Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Northern Shenandoah Valley; provide leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating Extension educational programs in family and consumer sciences for adult and youth audiences with primary emphasis on programs to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities, and support economic self-sufficiency and family stability.  Employed with Virginia Cooperative Extension 1987 to present.  Promoted to Senior Extension Agent July 1, 1998.

Professional Associations

National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1987 to present; Electronic Communications Committee (2004-2006).

Virginia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1987 to present; Past-President (2004-2006); President (2002-04); Vice-President for Professional Development (1996).

Forum for Family and Consumer Issues Editorial Board Member, 2002 to present.

National Council on Family Relations, 2000 to 2004.

Epsilon Sigma Phi (Extension Honorary Fraternity), 1995 to present.

National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1995 to 2004.

Virginia Extension Service Association, 1987 to present.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1984 to present; Public Affairs Committee Chairman (1992-93).

Virginia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1984 to present; Secretary (1992-94).

Awards

National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Continued Excellence Award, 2004.

National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Service Award, 1999.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Margaret Svoboda Award for Programming Excellence, 1999.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences New Achievers Award, 1998.

Outstanding Performance Award for Team Programming Excellence, West Virginia University Extension Service; presented to extension family and consumer sciences team for educational programming to improve the quality of child care, 1996.

Virginia Association for Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Home Economist in Extension Award, 1994.

Virginia Association of Extension Home Economists Award for Outstanding Programming, 1992.

National Association of Extension Home Economists Florence Hall Award; presented to extension home economist team for educational programming to improve the quality of child care, 1991.

Summa Cum Laude Graduate of Radford University, with Honors, 1987.