Ag News
Biersmith named Georgia 4-H leader
Posted on Nov 20, 2022 at 19:00 PM
Georgia 4-H has named Melanie Biersmith as the new State 4-H Leader. Biersmith, who began her duties Nov. 1, is the ninth state leader in the organization’s 118-year history.
The state 4-H leader provides strategic vision in response to the changing needs of Georgia youth. Georgia 4-H operates under the scope of University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and reaches more than 240,000 youth in a typical program year. The position works to support diversity and inclusiveness in youth programming.
Biersmith most recently served as the UGA Extension Associate State 4-H Leader for Facilities and Residential Programs. This position involved oversight of operations and personnel at all six Georgia 4-H Centers, plus coordination of the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program and the Georgia 4-H Summer Camping program.
Her career with UGA Extension began in 2003 on Jekyll Island as the environmental education coordinator. She then served as the director of Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll and later as the Extension 4-H specialist for science and environmental education until 2018.
Biersmith holds a bachelor of science in biology from Georgia College and State University and a master of arts in science education from the University of Georgia. She resides in Morgan County with her husband, Andy, her daughter, Drew, and her son, Sam.
“It is inspiring to see the potential in every young person,” Biersmith said. “I appreciate the opportunity to watch their development and see how positive youth development experiences guide them on their journey to adulthood.”
In her role as State 4-H leader, Biersmith will also oversee recruitment and development of 4-H faculty and staff, advocate for extramural funding to support faculty scholarship, and champion the success of Georgia 4-H facilities. Her leadership will impact in-school, after-school and non-traditional delivery models facilitated by approximately 120 county Extension agents, 225 educators, program assistants, and AmeriCorps members, as well as thousands of volunteers.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.
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