Who We Are

Mission: The NYS 4-H Foundation cultivates, secures, and stewards financial resources to support the Cornell Cooperative Extension New York State 4-H program in developing and delivering superior 4-H youth development programs.

Overview: Learn more about the Foundation’s management, financial status and plans for achieving goals.   The following documents provide information about the Foundation’s financial standing, fiduciary responsibility and vision.

Governance: The Foundation is governed by a diverse, elected Board of Trustees, including young trustees.

Board Members:

  • J. David Ferris (Chair), Chief Executive Officer, P.W. Wood & Son, Inc.
  • Thomas Facer (Vice Chair), President, Farm Fresh First
  • Valerie Adams (Secretary), 4-H State Program Leader, Senior Extension Associate
  • Deborah Grusenmeyer (Treasurer), Extension Associate, Animal Science, Cornell University
  • Drew Coyne, Public School Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher
  • Helene Dillard, Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Jeffrey Eades, Vice President, Key Bank
  • Megan Galbraith, Principal, Megan Galbraith Associates
  • Linda Keech, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Dutchess County
  • Emmaline Long, student, Cornell University
  • Sally Prather, Principal, Mercer Health & Benefits
  • Jared Reed, student, Stony Brook University
  • Shirley Spencer, Credit Representative, Farm Credit East, ACA

Director of Development

Elizabeth Searle, (315) 702-8242,  esearle@nys4hfoundation.org

4-H Pledge

I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service and my HEALTH to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.