March 29, 2022
4-H Youth Development Leadership Transition Update
As noted in my email last Tuesday afternoon, Wade Weber will be transitioning away from leading KSRE’s state 4-H program and the Department of 4-H Youth Development. Wade has served in this leadership position since 2017. He will transition to new duties with Kansas State University’s Office of Student Life as of April 1.
During his tenure, those involved with the program learned to appreciate and evangelize the deeper meanings and positive outcomes each person can realize by participating in 4-H. He has been a tireless advocate for the voice of what 4-H can be throughout the state of Kansas.
I want to express to Wade, from all of us, our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to KSRE and 4-H.
In the interim, a leadership team for the program will be spearheaded by Rick Peterson. The leadership team will include agents Justin Goodno and Corinne Patterson, Phillips Rooks District director Anna Muir, Department of 4-H Youth Development program coordinator Dona Ratliff, and regional 4-H youth development specialist Beth Hinshaw. I know you will join me in thanking this team for their willingness to assume this important leadership responsibility. We do not expect that this leadership transition will impact any currently scheduled activities and events.
Regarding the search for a new 4-H leader, KSRE will be looking for someone with deep experience in 4-H and youth development program implementation and operations. The person must also be skilled in communications and the ability to build bridges to improve our collaboration and partnership with local units throughout the state to take this long-standing signature program to new heights. Chris Onstad will be chairing the search and screen committee for this national search. Chris is currently recruiting the search and screen committee members. We hope to announce the members of this important committee by next week’s Tuesday Letter. Once the committee has been formed, they will meet and provide input into the position description and announcement prior to its posting. The national search will then commence. The month of August has been targeted for in-person interviews.
Please forward any questions or concerns to me, ghadley@ksu.edu; Rick Peterson, rlpeterson@ksu.edu; regarding ongoing 4-H youth development matters; or Chris Onstad, constad@ksu.edu, regarding search and screen matters while we look to fill the position.