CONTACT:
Emily Saveraid, Executive Director
Iowa 4-H Foundation
esaver@iastate.edu
515-294-1537
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2022
New Trustees Elected to Serve on Iowa 4-H Foundation Board
AMES, Iowa- Six new Trustees were elected to serve on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board at its annual meeting on Friday, October 21, 2022.
“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.”
Justin Chesnut, Boone
Justin Chesnut is Executive Director - US Farm Animal Distribution and Retail for Elanco Animal Health. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Systems Technology. Justin and his wife Amy live near Boone with four daughters active in 4-H. He is also an Advisor for the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at ISU. A former member of the Harrison Hilltop Hustlers 4-H Club in Boone County, he was a member of the Boone County Council, and 4-H Youth Committee with a favorite memory being attending the Citizenship Washington Focus trip. Justin says, “I support 4-H because it had such a tremendous impact on me growing up. Through different leadership opportunities to meeting new friends across the state and nation. These were real life experiences, which I didn’t know at the time, but would pay off. I now have four daughters in 4-H and enjoy getting to see them experience the same things I did.”
Adelai Dolch, West Des Moines
Adelai Dolch is the Pioneer Corn Product Marketing Manager for Corteva Agriscience. She graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Agricultural Business and Public Relations. She is a member of the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation Board and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels and the ISU Agricultural Business Club Alliance Program. Adelai and her husband Marshall reside in West Des Moines. Adelai was a Wright County 4-H member, exhibiting hogs, welding projects, clothing selection & fashion review, child development, food and nutrition, and photography. She says, “My 4-H experience has helped shape who I am today. I honed communication and leadership skills and developed a deep passion for agriculture that have all contributed to where I am today personally and professionally. I am invested in the success of Iowa 4-H for the future and proud to support 4-Hers yet to come.”
Erin Herbold-Swalwell, Altoona
Erin Herbold-Swalwell is Sr. Counsel for Advanced Markets for Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, and is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law. Erin is an active community member including serving as a member of the Southeast Polk FFA Advisory Board, the Living History Farms Board of Directors and the City of Altoona Planning and Zoning Board Member. She and her husband Ryan live in Altoona with their daughter and son. Erin was a member of the Poweshiek Partners 4-H Club in Jasper County. Erin says, “I support 4-H because it teaches kids and parents the value of agriculture and the importance of maintaining our agricultural roots. I will always remember my experience, the sometimes tough lessons of raising livestock and the life-long friendships. I support 4-H involvement because it is critical to the development of well-rounded kids who understand the importance of agriculture and friendships made along the way.”
Venessa Macro, Des Moines
Venessa Macro is Chief Administration Officer at Drake University. She has a degree in Political Science from the University of Northern Iowa and a J.D. from Drake University Law School. She and her husband Jesse live in Des Moines and have two grown daughters. Venessa is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, Secretary, YMCA of Central Iowa, Central Campus Advisory Committee for Des Moines Public Schools and HR Committee, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Des Moines. She was a Crawford County 4-H member and Polk County 4-H volunteer during her daughters’ involvement. She says, “I support 4-H because as a 4-Her myself, then as a 4-H parent and leader, I have seen the incredible benefits of the hands on learning 4-H provides. As a leader of a 4-H club in Des Moines, I saw many 4-Hers build their confidence. My support for 4-H stems from the fondness that I have of the relationships made through 4-H and I hope to make it possible for others to experience that as well.”
Dainna Smith, Decorah
Dainna Smith is Business Development Manager for Hendrix Genetics / Hybrid Turkeys. She graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Ag Business. She is a member of the National Turkey Federation Board and the Iowa Turkey Federation and is active in her church. She is a past board member of the Iowa Beef Check-off and Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. Dainna and her husband Eric farm near Decorah and have three adult children. Dainna was a Fayette County 4-H’er as a member of the Arlington Peppy Pals 4-H Club with great experiences getting involved in activities and meeting people. She was also an active Winneshiek County volunteer. She says, “4-H allows youth the opportunity to explore and learn about many different avenues of life with hands-on-experience. It is an opportunity to learn new skills, be exposed to new ideas, events and opportunities but most of all it is a path to success with tools you will utilize the rest of your life.”
Nehemiah Westercamp, Farmington, Youth Trustee
Nehemiah is a member of the Jolly Trio 4-H Club in Van Buren County. A senior in high school, Nehemiah has been very involved in the 4-H Program. Besides participating in many different project areas, Nehemiah is an active leader in his club, county and state councils. He has attended the National Agriscience Summit twice and was a delegate to National 4-H Congress. He will travel to Washington D.C. this spring after being selected for National 4-H Conference. His 4-H club has also been a recipient of a Pioneer Seed Grant. He is also active in his school and community. Nehemiah hopes to attend Iowa State University and then return to Van Buren County to farm.
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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