My name is Brad Burbaugh and I will be the new Kelsey starting in the fall, so I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. 
I came to Virginia Tech by way of Florida where I was a middle school Agricultural Teacher and FFA Advisor for 2 years and an Agricultural Extension Agent for the last 6 years. I always had a passion for agriculture, but my high school AG Teacher inspired me to pursue a career in the industry.
As an AG teacher in a suburban school I grew the agriculture program and FFA into the largest club on campus. I am happy to say that some of my former students are now working in the industry. As an Extension Agent I worked primarily with cattle producers, small diversified farms, beekeepers, and local industry groups. I was lucky to have been recognized by my peers with the FL Farm Credit Young Professional Award in 2011.
I am proud to be the first person in my family to graduate college and my approach to life can best be described as pragmatic. I have an affinity for details and to-do lists. I enjoy challenges and in my free time I like to run 5K races, spend time at the river or on the beach, watch and attend NASCAR races, grill out and travel. I plan to make a trip to Alaska for the first time this summer.
I really enjoy working in the field with farmers, so after graduation I want a job that will allow me to be involved in the industry at the grassroots level. My research interests involve rural leadership, program development, and evaluation. More specifically, my dissertation research will be examining social networks that are formed as a result of leadership programs like VALOR.
My job is to support you and make our fearless leader, Megan, look good. So please let me know how I can be of service to you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to contact me at burbaugh@vt.edu or (904)400-5518. I look forward to meeting all of you in September. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am excited about the opportunities and challenges associated with making VALOR the premier leadership development program in Virginia.
valeadersor.com 
Brad this is an awesome post! You have clearly mastered WordPress and will soon master many other aspects of VALOR.
Welcome Brad! Interesting pictures – though I won’t be turning my back on you.
I am pretty excited to have Brad joining us this fall and can’t thank Kelsey enough for helping with the transition in a way that hasn’t scared him off!