LEXINGTON, Ky.,  — Ronald Hustedde, University of Kentucky extension professor, received the Distinguished Community Development Career Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals at their recent conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

The award creates a platform to showcase community development work in a professional setting beyond the state level and creates a pathway toward national distinction, the association explained in a news release.

“Ron Hustedde’s recognition represents the best of the best; his many publications, innovative work and insights provide new ideas for expanding our work across the nation," said the association’s president, Trudy Rice.

Hustedde has been with University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension in the Department of Community and Leadership Development, which is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, since 1990. His areas of focus include community economic development, rural entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship, public deliberation about contentious issues, public conflict analysis and resolution and various approaches to community development.

“This award really belongs to the people of the commonwealth,” Hustedde stated. “Kentucky’s grassroots leaders are the backbone of my work. They are the real sources of innovation. I just try to bring out the best in everyone involved in community work.”

Created in 2003, The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals is an organization dedicated to improving the visibility, coordination, professional status and resource base of community and economic development extension programs and professionals.

NACDEP has over 310 individual memberships, represents 36 states, the U.S. territory of Guam and Puerto Rico. Active members are currently employed as extension professionals with at least a 25 percent extension appointment with responsibilities or strong interests in community and economic development.