Transforming OSU Extension and My Role in its

Transformation as R.A.

Derek GodwinMarion and Polk County Staff Chair

Watershed Managementderek.godwin@oregonstate.edu

503-510-7582 cell

Focuson

Survival

Focus on the “prize” or “future condition”

Components of a Successful Transformation

1. Retain original mission – stay true2. Do what we do best and do it better

than others – competitive advantage3. Make a difference – agents of

change4. Others know it, support it and tell

others

How do we get there? What would be my role?

1. Value and retain powerful community connections

a. Advisory committees, local leadersb. Elected officialsc. Key partnersd. Defined for each county, regionEveryone helps identify, communicate and prepare me – Spokesperson, Convener, Facilitator, Advocate

2. On-going strategic planning (needs assessment, program plan, evaluation)a. 3 thematic areas for better integration

across programs & missions (in addition to typical)

b. Balance rural and urbanc. Systematic within counties and regionFacilitator, convener, author

How do we get there? What would be my role?

3. Grow extramural funds and partnerships within and outside OSUa. #1 and #2 lead to #3b. Grants and contractsc. Giftsd. Fees - reduce costs/increase revenue

where appropriatee. Bring university faculty to help

Communicator, instigator, reduce barriers, promoter, facilitator

How do we get there? What would be my role?

4. “Cutting Edge” education program delivery – continually assess

a. Current, research-based from ______b. Appropriate methodc. New audiences, contemporary issuesd. Competitive advantagee. Optimize ability to span the universityMentor/Coach/Peer, facilitator of partners,

convener of training, support

How do we get there? What would be my role?

5. Communication, Outreach and Empowermenta. From raising awareness to empowering

volunteers and partnersb. Integrate/utilize technology and media as

appropriatec. Starts with current volunteers, clientele

Leadership and direction, messaging, convener of training, obtain resources, spokesperson

How do we get there? What would be my role?

6. Seek administration efficiencies, role clarity for administration and facultya. Maximize program delivery, support and

serviceb. Review current practices and seek to

simplify and reduce organizational complexities

c. Grant admin support, reporting, reviews, budgeting, office procedures, etc.

Advocate, facilitator, obtain resources, convene training, partner within OSU

How do we get there? What would be my role?

1. Value and retain powerful connections2. On-going strategic planning3. Grow extramural funds and partnerships4. Cutting edge education program delivery5. Communication, Outreach and

Empowerment6. Seek administration efficiencies, role clarity

for administration and facultySpokesperson, advocate, facilitator, mentor, coach, peer, convener, obtain resources and training, author, instigator, reduce barriers, promoter, build partnerships within and outside OSU, etc.

Transformation and Roles

Describe your experience in managing multiple funding streams & how have you honored existing funding

sources/agreements as they are integrated within counties

in this region?

Funding sources managed• Marion and Polk County – general funds,

tax district, variety of positions, grants, contracts, fees, gifts/foundation accounts.

• Grants – P.I. or Co-P.I. on over 4 million dollars in grants for watershed work

• Created, managed and reported on budgets, delivered presentations

• Partnered with wide variety of entities – counties, cities, COG, SWCDs, watershed councils, OWEB, DEQ, NRCS, ODF, DLCD, OEC, Chemeketa CC, etc.

Honoring agreements and integrating within counties

• Source and intent –• Communicate with funder

before/during/after• Does project fit within our mission and

strategic plan?• What is our role?• Efficient use, manage wisely, open

accounting

Extension is in the midst of Transformation. How have you changed

your thinking to embrace these changes? How do you balance community needs

vs. organizational constraints? How would you be an advocate and resource for

employees during this transformation?

Changed thinking to embrace changes

• Never against transformation – stay competitive, meet budget constraints, etc.

• Rather influence the changes than have them be done to me

• Went from downplaying “transformation” to trying to influence strategy – how we get there

• Assessing how I can lead and influence local transformation and implement changes

• Help survive and thrive

Balance community needs and organizational constraints

• Reassess priorities and our competitive edge on a regular basis

• Try to ignore constraints during assessment phase

• Apply filter of constraints to prioritize, core values

• Identify ways to leverage, look for other opportunities, remove barriers

Advocate and Resource for Employees

• Open communications, dispel myths, encourage discussion

• Identify issues, barriers, opportunities for change – advocate to the responsible parties (internal, external)

• Identify and obtain resources - training, technology, people, peer resources, etc.

• Mentor, coach, peer

Describe how your background and experience

has prepared you to be effective in an environment

that values diversity

• Grew up in area of diverse cultures• Diversity Catalyst Team • Lead21, Change Agent States,

Personal Leadership, WSU Navigating Differences – training, teacher training, teacher

• Working, communicating and leading a diverse team of faculty and support staff

• Building relationships and looking for opportunities to affect change