(03/05/25) BATON ROUGE, La. — At the 90th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show, AgCenter vice president and dean of the College of Agriculture Matt Lee surprised and — by the sound of the applause from those in attendance — delighted the crowd when he named Todd Tarifa official associate director of youth development.

Tarifa, has been overseeing both Louisiana 4-H and Louisiana FFA on an interim basis since Oct. 1. 4-H and FFA together reach more than 130,000 Louisiana youths. There are also 29,115 4-H members doing volunteer work and community service, according to the organization’s 2025 annual report.

Saying he is “deeply honored” by the promotion, Tarifa is excited that the new role allows him to continue his passion for working with young people, volunteers, 4-H agents and FFA advisers across Louisiana.

“Together, we will continue to achieve remarkable milestones, and I am committed to furthering our mission of providing enriching and impactful experiences for our youth,” he said. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to make our program one of the best in the nation.”

Tarifa received his doctorate in human resource education and workforce development from LSU in 2006 and has worked in youth development since 1998, when he joined the AgCenter as a 4-H agent.

A former 4-H regional coordinator, Tarifa taught agriscience and led FFA programming at Northshore High School in Slidell for nearly a decade before returning to the AgCenter as department head for 4-H youth development in 2021.

Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, praised Tarifa for his work ethic and dedication.

“Todd is dedicated to working with the young people, volunteers, 4-H agents and FFA advisers of Louisiana to make the LSU AgCenter’s youth development programs the best in the nation,” she said. “His commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for youth is evident in his ongoing efforts to innovate and improve the programs under his leadership.”

Cade LeJeune, Louisiana FFA executive director, said Louisiana’s agriculture teachers are thrilled to have Tarifa as associate director for youth development due to his years of success as a 4-H agent and as an FFA adviser.

“Cooperation between 4-H and FFA has never been stronger in this state, and Dr. Tarifa is continuing to lead the way for both of our organizations to provide critical and positive experiences for our young people in agriculture,” LeJeune said.

For his part, Lee said that throughout his appointment as interim, Tarifa's leadership has been instrumental in advancing youth development initiatives and maintaining momentum.

“His dedication and vision have consistently demonstrated that he is exceptionally well-suited to fill this position permanently,” Lee said. “We are confident that his continued leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of our 4-H and FFA programs.”

Todd Tarifa has been named associate director of youth development for the LSU AgCenter after serving in an interim capacity since October. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter