Erica Thomas-Pullen

Bio

Erica serves as the Air Force 4-H and Youth Development Specialist. In this role, she provides opportunities to integrate research-based programs and resources for military-connected youth and families. She also partners with 4-H educators to help connect and equip Air Force and Space Force Child and Youth Program (CYP) personnel with training and resources worldwide. Erica has a strong history of building cooperative relationships between entities, most significantly during her service as a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension County 4-H Agent. During her service, she established partnerships with various schools, agencies, community organizations, and volunteers to ensure that all youth, families, and individuals receive age-appropriate, year-round programming.

She developed and implemented research-based curricula that enriched youth’s acquisition of knowledge and skills in leadership, citizenship, communication, and life skills. Erica’s service with Project Youth Extension Services, Project YES! and her personal experiences as a military dependent provided her with adequate training and knowledge on best serving and supporting military-impacted youth. She has earned various awards, served on State and National boards, and chaired committees providing program resources and initiatives. She has served as a consultant to foster an equitable and inclusive environment and has guest lectured on topics relevant to diversity and youth development. Despite the accolades, servant leadership is at Erica’s core. She has a lifelong goal of ensuring all youth receive tools to inspire them to live and lead a purpose-driven life while helping youth development entities implement positive youth development practices.

Programs and Initiatives

• Department of the Air Force (DAF) 4-H Military Partnership Outreach and Support
• CYFAR 4-H Military Partnership
• Project Youth Extension Service (YES)

Contributing Websites

• https://www.dafchildandyouth.com
• https://4-hmilitarypartnership.org
• https://www.projectyouthextension.com/

Professional Honors/Offices/Recognitions

• 2021: Innovative Practice Award. (Partnership with Cobb & Douglas Public Health – Power In Truth) National Association of County & City Health Officials
• 2021: Professional Achievement Award. Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
• 2020: Top Ten Young Professionals of 2020 Award. Douglas County Chamber

Selected Publications

• Tompkins, C. D., Pullen, E., Hainsworth, C., Averill, B., & Hardeman, R. (2023). Using Technology for Community Engagement: Four Key Web-Based Platforms for Adoption in Extension. The Journal of Extension, 61(2), Article 20. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.20.
• Pullen, E. (2017). Perceptions of SNAP Benefits Among SNAP Recipients in DeKalb County, Georgia.  Eastern University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2017.10284082 https://www.proquest.com/openview/996b5d4443f1d0802f21bf974a2e1a40/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750.

Area(s) of Expertise

• Positive Youth Development Practices
• Program Development and Management
• Leadership Development
• Military 4-H Clubs

Groups

• Staff