PAF Safety Coordinator Spotlight: Stacey Potts

At the heart of every Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®  (PAF Safety Day) is a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. One such individual is Stacey Potts, a committed advocate for youth safety who has played a pivotal role in bringing PAF Safety Days to Daviess County, Kentucky. As a 4-H Agent, she has dedicated herself to educating and empowering young people. Her journey with PAF spans nearly a decade, and her impact is immeasurable.

Stacey first became aware of the PAF Safety Day program in the late 1990s but it wasn’t until 2014 when another PAF Safety Day Coordinator, Clint Hardy, encouraged her to apply and bring a PAF Safety Day to Daviess County. In 2015, their first PAF Safety Day became a reality.

Now, after completing nine successful Safety Days, Stacey remains as dedicated as ever. "Unfortunately, many of us know someone who has suffered significant injury or lost their life in an agricultural incident," she says. "You never know what will resonate with a child or an adult. The thought that we might prevent even one death or injury makes it all worth it!"

Stacey’s Safety Day is a highly anticipated event in Daviess County. Hosted on a rotating basis among elementary schools, it has become so popular that some schools join a waiting list for the opportunity to participate. The enthusiasm is shared by volunteers, many of whom return year after year because they believe in the program's mission. "Our office and volunteers look forward to Safety Day!" Stacey shares.

Rather than organizing a safety event independently, Stacey and her team have found that partnering with PAF enhances their program's reach and effectiveness. "Safety is so important, and we give it a lot of lip service, but unfortunately, it can be a hard sell to get an audience," she explains. "PAF is nationally known and respected, and schools do not hesitate to let us come.

As part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Kentucky 4-H, Stacey’s work aligns seamlessly with PAF’s mission. "The overarching purpose of Extension and 4-H is to educate the public with research-based information. PAF understands that children learn better when they are engaged and works to make their curriculum as hands-on and engaging as possible."

Stacey’s Safety Days reach new students each year, expanding the program’s impact across the community. "We can see the wheels turning in the minds of the students participating as they learn, and the evaluations prove that these students are soaking up the information presented. Safety Day is intentionally designed to be as engaging as possible, and it makes a difference."

For those considering partnering with PAF, Stacey has one clear message: "Please don’t hesitate. PAF is hands down the best resource for anything to do with youth safety and agriculture. Everything they do is very well thought out and professional, and everyone is friendly and quick to respond to questions."

Stacey Potts exemplifies the dedication and passion that drive the success of the PAF Safety Day Program. Her work ensures that children in Daviess County are equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe, and her enthusiasm for the program continues to inspire others to get involved.

Thank you, Stacey, for your commitment to making safety a priority in your community!