Lesa Vold, program manager and communications specialist with the Egg Industry Center, is the recipient of the staff 2026 Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. Her work has been instrumental in supporting the center’s mission to preserve and advance the research, education and outreach pillars of the land-grant university system for the U.S. egg industry.
As a strategic communicator and outreach specialist, Vold serves as a vital bridge between science and stakeholders. She effectively communicates scientific advancements, industry issues and practical information to a wide array of audiences. Her ability to translate complex research into accessible, actionable insights has elevated the visibility and impact of the Egg Industry Center’s work nationwide. Vold’s work with the annual Egg Industry Issues Forum is extensive. She also led communications during the 2015 avian influenza outbreak, when Iowa became the epicenter of the largest animal disease outbreak in U.S. history. The crisis catapulted the center into the state and national spotlight as a resource for state agencies and organizations.
“Her ability to identify emerging needs, connect stakeholders and guide strategic decisions has been instrumental in our success,” stated a colleague. “Lesa doesn’t just execute tasks, she elevates them, ensuring that every outreach effort is aligned with broader industry goals and university values. She truly has the critical skill that outreach personnel require, that is, to make connections with stakeholders, understand their needs, then deliver meaningful information.”