Experienced Leaders Guide Youth Development Strategy Partnerships and Future Readiness
National 4 H Council has created a new advisory group called the Emeritus Council to provide strategic guidance and support its mission of developing young leaders. This council includes experienced professionals from agriculture, education, government, and private industries. Their role is to advise senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on strategy, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
The council will also serve as ambassadors, helping strengthen connections across the Cooperative Extension system and the broader agriculture and education sectors. This effort supports the goal of preparing more youth to become confident and capable leaders in the future.
Dr. E Gordon Gee will chair the group. He brings more than four decades of leadership experience in higher education and public service. He has served as president of West Virginia University, The Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and the University of Colorado. His strong leadership background will help guide the council’s work.
"4-H and education have been a meaningful part of my life for decades," Dr. Gee said. "The Emeritus Council is passionate about the Land-grant mission, which is more relevant than ever, having been created to advance research, education, and outreach. We believe in that mission and the importance of supporting the leaders and communities who carry it forward. We will stay connected, ask hard questions, and provide perspective to help 4-H equip young people for what's next."
The council includes seven additional members. Jim Borel brings global agriculture leadership and currently chairs Neogen Corporation. Daniel Glickman offers public service experience as a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and longtime Congress member. Krysta Harden leads the U.S. Dairy Export Council and previously served in USDA leadership.
Ken Hicks contributes to retail leadership as CEO of PetSmart. Landel Hobbs adds expertise in media and telecommunications leadership. Wade Miquelon brings experience in corporate strategy and financial leadership. Ann Veneman adds global and government experience, including her role with UNICEF.
Jill Bramble highlighted that these leaders bring valuable experience to help strengthen youth programs and prepare future generations for success.