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(05/25/21) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana 4-H are pleased to announce that Todd Tarifa has been named department head for 4-H youth development effective July 1.
Tarifa received his doctorate in human resource education and workforce development from Louisiana State University in 2006. He rejoins the AgCenter after nine years of serving as an agriscience teacher at Northshore High School in Slidell.
Prior to leaving the AgCenter in 2012, Tarifa was the volunteer and leadership specialist for the 4-H department. He has also served as regional 4-H coordinator and as a 4-H agent in both East and West Baton Rouge parishes.
“Coming back to the AgCenter and 4-H youth development is like coming back home,” Tarifa said. “It is truly an organization that I love, and I look forward to serving for the rest of my career.”
Tarifa said he cannot wait to work with the “wonderful and devoted” 4-H staff and volunteers, although he will always cherish his near decade at Northshore High School, where he credits the administration for encouraging students to take ownership in the things they love.
“My time at Northshore High School will always be one of the most rewarding experiences in my life,” he said. “I have made lifelong friends and watched young people grow into productive young adults. The NHS Agriculture and FFA Program that we built together has become one of the best in the state and I attribute that to allowing youth to be a major part of the decision-making process.”
Tarifa hopes to create a shared vision of what 4-H youth development means to youth, volunteers, staff and all stakeholders, saying that the organization can profoundly change the lives of young people across the state.
“I will do all I can to help people understand and appreciate how impactful 4-H is on the local level and how our 4-H youth development professionals and 4-H volunteers work hard every day to make a difference in the life of a child,” he said. “Our goal is to grow the program and reach audiences that have never experienced the wonderful opportunities that Louisiana 4-H offers.”
Toby Lepley, AgCenter associate vice president and 4-H program leader, said he is excited to welcome Tarifa back to the AgCenter and 4-H.
“Todd brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of youth development and in particular 4-H youth development,” Lepley said. “The skills that he brings in networking with youth, volunteers, stakeholders and parish agents will only enhance our program’s ability to serve more youth in positive youth development programs through the Louisiana 4-H program.”
Todd Tarifa takes over as department head for 4-H youth development on July 1. Provided photo
