David Daniels receives Youth Leadership Association Distinguished Service Award
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David T. Daniels has received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award by the Ohio‐West Virginia Youth Leadership Association at the Statehouse during the 63rd Ohio Youth in Government program.
The award is presented annually to one who actively advances programs and opportunities for Ohio youth, and champions their accomplishments.
Daniels is a strong supporter of Jr. Livestock Exhibitions at county and independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair, which teach 4‐H and FFA youth about responsible food animal production and leadership skills.
Under Daniels’ leadership, the Ohio Department of Agriculture operates a program for college students to develop leadership skills and increase awareness of the Ohio Department of Agriculture as a career.
Daniels has also formed a partnership with Ohio FFA on an Agricultural and Rural Community Outreach grant program, which helps local FFA chapters finance worthy community development projects.
This partnership helps students fund community projects that teach them the value of giving back to their communities while gaining experience as agricultural leaders.
He is a native of Greenfield, and was appointed Ohio Agriculture Director by Governor John R. Kasich on February 15, 2012. Prior to his appointment, he served four successful terms in the Ohio House, and was elected to the Senate to serve the families of the 17th Senate District in 2010.
Daniels also served as mayor of Greenfield and was a Highland County commissioner.
Today, Daniels is a member of the Youth Leadership Association’s committee and serves on the Association’s Cave Lake Leadership Center committee. The center is a 700‐acre family camping area located in Pike County that provides leadership development, as well as enjoyment of the outdoors.
The interactive program engages students in the legislative and judicial process and promotes volunteering to improve their schools and communities, governing their local youth group, and participating in state‐wide and regional leadership training opportunities.
The Youth Leadership Association Distinguished Service Award is the highest award given by the group.
Previous recipients of this award include Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Supreme Court of Ohio (1990); House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson (2000); Senate President Thomas E. Niehaus (2012); and House Speaker William G. Batchelder (2013).