ODESSA SIRMAN ARMSTRONG - HOLLY HILL-ROBERTS HIGH SCHOOL '97

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ODESSA SIRMAN ARMSTRONG - GROWING A LEGACY IN CONSERVATION

Odessa Sirman Armstrong’s journey into agriculture and conservation began on her family farm in Eutawville, South Carolina. Her father worked as a row cropper and raised swine, sparking her early interest in the land and its preservation. Growing up in this small town in Orangeburg County instilled in her a deep appreciation for farming, which would ultimately shape her professional path.

After graduating from Holly Hill-Roberts High School in 1997, Odessa pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness at South Carolina State University. She excelled academically and graduated magna cum laude. Not stopping there, she earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Clemson University, specializing in Crop and Soil Environmental Management. Her educational journey continued with a certificate from George Washington University’s Emerging Leaders Development Program, emphasizing her commitment to continuous learning and leadership.

In 2002, Odessa began her career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service as a soil conservation technician career intern in St. Matthews, South Carolina. Her passion and dedication quickly became evident, leading her to various roles across five field offices in South Carolina, where she served ten counties. Her responsibilities expanded from soil conservationist and district conservationist to more specialized roles like conservation financial program specialist and acting assistant state conservationist for field operations. Her career also took her to Florida, Maryland, and North Carolina, where she held significant leadership positions, including acting planning specialist, assistant state conservationist for management and strategy, and acting state conservationist.

Her dedication and exceptional performance earned her numerous awards, such as the 2013 Clemson University Roaring 10 Young Alumni Award, the North Carolina Natural Resources Conservation Service 2023 Outstanding Employee of the Year Award, and the Florida NRCS Building Morale in Workforce Special Service Award.

In December 2023, Odessa assumed the role of Agricultural Management Assistance Program Manager at the USDA-NRCS in Washington, D.C. Her broad expertise and leadership are invaluable as she oversees nationwide programs that aim to help farmers manage their operations sustainably. Throughout her career, she has upheld her guiding motto: “a life of service is the one that counts.”

Today, Odessa lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Jason Armstrong, and their two sons, Jason II "Tiger" and Jacob. She takes great joy in watching her sons play sports and in rooting for Clemson teams. Despite her busy schedule, Odessa prioritizes time with her family, finding joy in activities like watching movies together.

Odessa’s journey from a small farm in South Carolina to a leadership role in Washington, D.C. is a testament to her steady dedication and passion for sustainable agriculture. She reminds us that commitment to service and learning can lead to transformative change, both within local communities and on a national scale. Her remarkable career is a shining example of the potential that grows from our own neighborhoods, showcasing how a love for the land and the people who tend it can lead to incredible impact.

Orangeburg County School District takes great pride in highlighting alumni like Odessa, whose achievements serve as a source of inspiration for current students. Her success exemplifies the district's mission to empower learners and emphasizes the significance of strong educational foundations. Through alumni spotlights, OCSD showcases the incredible journeys of graduates, encouraging a new generation to follow in their footsteps and contribute positively to their communities.

This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our OCSD Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a OCSD graduate and an excellent representative of the Orangeburg community and the idea of #WeAreOne, whether they live in Orangeburg County or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your OCSD Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #OCSDAlumniStories 

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