MSU Extension 4-H

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that supports the mission and vision of Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development statewide. The foundation receives donations from individuals and organizations to support 4-H youth development. 

Michigan 4-H Foundation trustees are volunteers who manage foundation policies and operations, and are community advocates for ongoing and increasing support for 4-H. They are also charged with overseeing the activities of foundation staff members and working on committees developed to facilitate foundation operations. 

Officers elected for 2024-2025 

Andrew Walker, West Branch, was elected president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. 

A Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee since 2018, Walker is an Ogemaw County 4-H alumnus and the chief assistant prosecuting attorney for Ogemaw County. Prior to his work in prosecution, Walker worked for civil law firms after becoming an attorney in 2014. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the MSU College of Law, cum laude. He also received a bachelor’s degree from MSU’s James Madison College in political theory and constitutional democracy. Walker continues his involvement in 4-H as a 4-H volunteer leader in Ogemaw County and stays involved with the family farm.  

Thomas Coon, Ph.D., Portage, was elected to vice president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.  

Coon joined the Michigan 4-H Foundation board in 2023, after retiring as vice president and dean of Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, where he served for nine years. Previously, Coon served as the director of MSU Extension for nine years, from 2005-2014. In that role, he also served as trustee of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Additionally, he was a professor in the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife for 25 years. Coon earned a bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) in biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a master’s and doctorate in ecology from the University of California, Davis. 

Also reelected as officers were: Secretary Jodi Schulz, Munger, state leader for Michigan 4-H Youth Development and MSU Extension Children and Youth co-director; and Treasurer Mark Koester, DeWitt, vice president and director of finance and accounting for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. The immediate past president is Thomas Bosserd, Plymouth. 

Board of trustee election results 

Reelected to three-year terms on the board were Jennifer Kiel, St. Johns, Sheila Kneeshaw, Detroit, and Andrew Walker, West Branch. Julie Chapin, Ph.D., Portland, and youth trustee Julie Becker, Wheeler, were also confirmed by the membership at the annual meeting, after being elected by the board at earlier meetings. Reyna Atkinson, Chesaning, was elected to a new term as youth trustee by the membership at the meeting.  

The general membership also welcomed Interim College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Matthew Daum, Ph.D. and Michigan 4-H State Leader Jodi Schulz, both of whom ascended to their leadership roles earlier this year and hold permanent positions on the board by virtue of their positions as dean and state 4-H leader, respectively.  

Youth trustee Terrell Jordan’s term expired at the annual meeting, where he was recognized for his service. Sara A. (Sally) Stuby, who served on the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees for 14 years, was also recognized as a trustee emerita.