AMES, Iowa- Six new Trustees were elected to the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees at its annual meeting Friday, October 21, 2016 held at the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines.
CONTACT: Albert Grunenwald
Executive Director
Iowa 4-H Foundation
abgrunen@iastate.edu
515-294-4780
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2016
New Trustees Elected to Iowa 4-H Foundation Board
AMES, Iowa- Six new Trustees were elected to the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees at its annual meeting Friday, October 21, 2016 held at the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines.
"New board members bring new ideas and new energy to the table," said Albert Grunenwald, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. "I'm excited to see where their passion for 4-H takes us."
Hope Cramm
Hope Cramm of Dallas, TX is the Region Director at Coca-Cola North America. She obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Iowa. She was an active 4-H member and held positions on the Osceola County Council, the Spencer Area Council, State Council, and was also a State Officer. She directly connects her experiences in 4-H with inspiring her passion for public speaking, which lead to her professional career. Hope enjoys spending time with her family at their Lake Okoboji Lake House.
“I believe that 4-H is a terrific place for youths to explore the passions they know they have, but also a ‘safe’ place to pursue new areas they are unsure of. 4-H provides leadership opportunities, amazing experiences and lifelong friends.”
Vicki Heiller
Vicki Heiller of Madrid obtained her BS in Food and Nutrition/Dietetics from Iowa State University. Her family is immersed in Iowa State University, as she, her spouse, and all three of their children attended or are currently attending ISU. She is a 12-year Leader of the Luther Livewires 4-H Club as well as a member of the Boone County 4-H Youth Committee. She was a nine-year member of the Illyria Clipperettes 4-H Club in Fayette County. Her favorite 4-H memories are all the years she attended the Iowa State Fair with 4-H.
Heiller believes in 4-H because it “provides opportunities for committed youth to grow and develop skills in leadership, communication, and citizenship while having fun.”
Don McDowell
Don McDowell of West Des Moines works in Government Relations for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Iowa State University. He was an active member of the Eagle Musketeers 4-H club in O’Brien County and held nearly every leadership position he could during his 10 years in 4-H. He is a cast member at the Last Laugh Comedy Theater in West Des Moines and enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, following politics, and rooting for the Cyclones!
“I truly believe all Iowa youth would benefit from 4-H, whether they live in a rural, suburban, or urban setting. The skills learned, experiences had, and relationships built will last a lifetime. 4-H can help each young Iowan reach their full potential,” said McDowell.
Zadok Nampala
Zadok “Z” Nampala of Iowa Falls works in International Business for Iowa Select Farms. He obtained degrees from Nairobi University in Kenya and the University of Iowa. He serves on the Executive Board for the ACLU and is currently an active 4-H Volunteer. He enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time with his three children.
As to why Nampala believes in 4-H he says, “A bright today builds for a brighter future.”
McKenna Nielsen
McKenna Nielsen of Audubon is currently a high school junior in Audubon County where she has served on student senate since 5th grade. After high school, she plans to attend a 4-Year University working toward a degree in either the medical field, agriculture, or financial business. She is a very active member and current president of her CD Starlighters 4-H Club. McKenna is a member of the Audubon Clover Commission Committee and has attended multiple leadership events. She has mentored numerous 4-H kids in multiple project areas and is currently on the 2016-2017 State 4-H Council committee. She is excited to be a Youth Trustee because she wants to learn more about fundraising for 4-H in order to further help 4-H members.
“4-H is more than just a club, it is a way of life. It has improved my self-confidence, motivation, and performance in presentations and speaking events. Most of all, 4-H is fun,” said Nielsen.
Matt Olson
Matt Olson of Waukee is currently the Marketing Manager for John Deere. He obtained his BS in Business Administration Accounting and his MBA from Drake University. He was an active 4-H member and served on both the Emmet County 4-H Council and Youth Committee. Currently, he is involved with his nieces’ 4-H experiences.
Olson states his passion for 4-H, “is the direct translation of the organizations’ goals to the outcomes that are visible in everyone that goes through the program. 4-H develops young people through the core values of head, heart, hands, and health and the foundation these core values provide to them and will be called upon throughout their lives. In the challenging world that we live in, it is inspiring to see the impact this program continues to have on developing young people and the positive impact they have on society.”
These new trustees join a 23-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 provides 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.
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