FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2023
New Trustees Elected to Serve on Iowa 4-H Foundation Board
AMES, Iowa- Five new Trustees were elected to serve on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board at its annual meeting on Friday, October 20, 2023.
“We are always excited to welcome new trustees to our team. They each bring different experiences that continue to better the organization,” said Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid. “We look forward to growing support for Iowa 4-H with their help.”
Diane Liljedahl, Essex
Diane has been a long time parent, leader, volunteer and supporter of the 4-H Program in Page County. She served as Home Economics Superintendent and on the Page County Extension Council. Now retired, Diane serves on the Page County Endowment Committee and is a county fair judge. Active in her community, Diane is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Essex and currently serves as president. She serves as Chair of the Essex Opera House Renovation Committee and is a member of the Essex Study & Service Club, Essex Community Club & PEO. Diane and her husband Dennis live near Essex. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. She says, “I look forward to making it possible to meet the needs of our youth and continuing supporting Iowa 4-H.”
Sydney Schilling, Youth Trustee
Sydney is a 4-H’er from Worth County as a member of the Golden Banner 4-H Club. Starting as a Clover Kid in Kindergarten, Sydney has been involved in numerous projects and leadership opportunities. She has served on State 4-H Council and attended National 4-H Conference. She will attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta this fall. She is a senior in high school with a goal to attend Iowa State University and major in Interior Design and minoring in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies. She hopes to become an Extension educator either as a career or as a volunteer. Sydney says, “I plan to have 4-H in my future for as long as I live and give back to this organization that has given me so much.”
Brett Showalter, Cedar Falls
Brett is Large Tractors Global Business Manager for John Deere in Waterloo. He attended Iowa State University and received his MBA from Indiana University. A 4-H alum from Franklin County, Brett was active in showing livestock, woodworking projects and presentations. Brett lives in Cedar Falls with his wife Cathy and three children. Brett serves on the John Deere Fellows - Selection Committee and has been a youth sports coaching for Soccer, Baseball, Flag Football, Wrestling. He is also a partner in a family farming operation in Franklin County. He says, “4-H set a great foundation for me as a youth, and I want to continue to be involved in helping provide the next generations similar opportunities.”
Amber Stutsman, Iowa City
Amber is Marketing Director for Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc in Hills. She graduated from Iowa State University and Kansas State University with a Masters of Agribusiness. A DeKalb County, Indiana 4-H alum, she and her husband Logan are involved in the Johnson County 4-H Program as Sheep superintendents and the Supreme Showmanship Contest. Active in her community, Amber serves on the Kirkwood Agbusiness Advisory Board and Hills Hometown Pride Committee and is a member of the National Agribusiness Marketing Association having held several local offices. She says, “4-H had taught me so many valuable life lessons, nurtured countless relationships and overall, had a long-lasting positive influence on my life. Beyond my passion for agricultural-related endeavors, I support 4-H because I want to give back to an organization that I got so much out of.”
Cody Swan, Montrose
Cody is Commercial Director for Kemin. He graduated from Iowa State University. A Jefferson County 4-H alum, Cody now lives in Montrose in Lee County with his wife Keegan and three sons. He grew up exhibiting show cattle, hogs and art hall projects at the Jefferson County Fair and is currently involved in the Lee County 4-H Program as a parent and volunteer. He has been involved in the American Feed Industry Association Board of Directors, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the American Society of Animal Science, as well as The Crossing Church, youth sports coaching and the Central Lee Community Schools Sports Boosters. He says, “I support 4-H to assist in the development of youth, creation of opportunity, and to establish the next generation of great ambassadors and leaders in agriculture in Iowa.”
The new trustees join a 25-member board that provides the vision and fiscal oversight for the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The Iowa 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees is comprised of volunteers from both the public and private sectors who are leaders in their respective fields.
The Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills – tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. More information at www.iowa4hfoundation.org.
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