MSU Extension 4-H

Sheila Wade Kneeshaw, of Detroit, was reelected president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees at its fall board meeting Oct. 1.

Since 2015, Kneeshaw has served as the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association (WNF&GA), Michigan Division representative on the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s board, a tradition that began with the incorporation
of the Michigan 4-H Foundation in 1952.

An avid gardener, Kneeshaw has served as past president of the Indian Village Branch, WNF&GA and is a member of the Herb Society of America-Grosse Pointe Unit, Western Wayne County Master Gardener Association, Nichols School Garden Jr. Master Gardener Program, among others. Before retiring, she served the city of Detroit for 40 years in several roles, including economic development manager and project manager.

Also reelected were: as vice president is Thomas L. Bosserd, of Plymouth, a representative for Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management Services. Re-elected as treasurer is Melissa Humphrey, Fowler, regional vice president for GreenStone Farm Credit Services; and as secretary, Jacob M. DeDecker, St. Johns, state leader for Michigan 4-H Youth Development and MSU Extension Children and Youth associate director. The immediate past president is Sara A. Stuby of Centreville.

Board of trustees election results Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees elections were held at the Oct. 1 Michigan 4-H Foundation Annual Membership Meeting. Reelected to three-year terms on the board were: Jennifer Kiel, St. Johns, Sheila Kneeshaw, Detroit, and Andrew Walker, Saginaw. Bruce Sutherland, Okemos, was confirmed as a trustee by the membership. He was elected earlier in the year by the foundation’s board.

In addition, youth trustee Shawn McNamara’s term expired and was recognized for his service at the Oct. 1 Michigan 4-H Foundation Annual Membership Meeting. A St. Joseph County 4-H’er, McNamara graduated from Centreville High School, where he was dual enrolled with Glen Oaks Community College. Midland County 4-H alumna, parent and volunteer, Mary Draves was also recognized for her service as a trustee for the past 10 years. Draves resigned from the board in April 2021 and chaired the foundation’s Personnel Committee. She serves as Global Director of Environmental Remediation and Restoration & Environmental Technology Center for Dow. Pam Babbitt also retired from the board after 36 years of service.