By: Melissa G. Miller
Keith L. Rogers has been the Executive Director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation since March 1, 2008. In this role, he has been the primary fundraiser for the Kentucky 4-H Program, manager of financial operations for over 60 4-H programs, and steward of the Foundation’s investment assets.
Commissioner of Agriculture Elect Ryan Quarles announced last week that Keith L. Rogers will serve as his Chief of Staff after being sworn into office in January. “When I began to consider who should serve as Chief of Staff, one name consistently rose to the top,” said Ryan Quarles. “Keith Rogers is beyond qualified for this position and I am excited about him joining my administration.” Commissioner Elect Ryan Quarles grew up in 4-H, served on the State 4-H Teen Council, is a 4-H Foundation donor, and has been a speaker at 4-H Homecoming.
Early during Keith’s service to the organization, the Foundation legally changed its name to the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. In 2009, the Foundation gained its 501(C)3 status as a non-profit organization from the IRS. Soon after, Keith worked to negotiate an operating Memorandum of Agreement between the Foundation and the College of Agriculture. During Keith’s tenure with the Foundation the role of executive director has taken on new elements in terms of fundraising, donors, implementation of programs, marketing and public relations.
The Foundation held an Alumni Gathering in Nashville, TN to find alumni and reconnect them to Kentucky 4-H.
The ability of the Foundation to support new programs and 4-Hers across the Commonwealth comes from its donors. Keith has grown the Foundation’s total donations and endowments during his nearly seven years as Executive Director. He also renegotiated the use of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund endowment, which now provides approximately $100,000 annually of direct support for 4-H members and programs. Keith has brought supporters from your traditional agriculture entities like Kentucky Farm Bureau, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board plus many others, but also focused much attention to those non-traditional agriculture entities like Time Warner Cable and UPS, just to name a few.
Keith headed up the 4-H Foundation’s 4-H Camp Improvement Campaign. Through his leadership the Foundation helped to secure nearly $3 million dollars to renovate the four 4-H camps across Kentucky.
One way Keith has increased donor support is through the reconnection of 4-H alumni. This is made possible through outreach to county 4-H councils, social media, 4-H Homecoming and new programs like Kentucky 4-H Friends and Alumni; all being newly implemented since Keith’s joining the Foundation. The key to the success of these programs is marketing and public relations by which the Foundation stepped up to make individuals aware of what the Foundation provides to the Kentucky 4-H members.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation honored James Comer, Commissioner of Agriculture at the Appreciation Breakfast. Pictured left to right James Comer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Keith Rogers, Executive Director, Kentucky 4-H Foundation.
In the past seven years, strong bases of funding opportunities have provided support to all 120 counties in the Commonwealth for local 4-Hers to benefit. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 the Foundation provided opportunities to 4-Hers by disbursing $221,899.95 to County 4-H Councils. A portion of these funds come from the Ag Tag Donation. Four years ago Keith spearheaded the Ag Tag Program with Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer. During the last four years, Kentucky 4-H has received $632,002.96; this has made a tremendous impact on 4-H programs across the Commonwealth.
Donor support is now recognized at all levels through newly implemented programs like the Leadership Circle with those individuals and companies donating $1,000; and a program just recently rolled out 4IN4 where you can donate $100 per year for the next four years. Through these types of programs Keith has engaged 4-H alumni through different levels of funding involvement.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is a leader on the National Level. Four years ago, Kentucky was asked to be a leader on the National 4-H Alumni Pilot; one of ten states selected to participate in this effort. The goal is to identify and reconnect with 4-H alumni.
Keith L. Rogers (far right), then the out-going State President, and Pam Rowsey Larson (far left), then the incoming Vice President, during the 1977 4-H exchange of state officers pins during 4-H week, now known as 4-H Teen Conference.
Keith grew up in 4-H and doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t involved. He served as State 4-H President in 1977-1978, an adult advisor to the State 4-H Teen Council in the late 1980s, and President of the State 4-H Leaders Council in 1990. Keith will continue his involvement with the Kentucky 4-H Foundation as he moves into his role with the newly-elected Commissioner.
“The opportunity to lead the Foundation has been a labor of love,” said Keith Rogers. “It has given me the chance to give back to an organization that I love and has made me who I am today. Without the leadership and life skills that I learned in 4-H, I would have never enjoyed the career path that I have so fortunately experienced.”
“Under Keith’s leadership we have experienced phenomenal growth in the Foundation but most importantly he has positioned us for our future,” said Pam Rowsey Larson, chairperson Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “We are appreciative of what Keith has done for our organization and excited for him as he takes on this next opportunity.” The Board of Directors looks forward to what the future holds for the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, its donors and Kentucky 4-H members.
As we look to the future, if you would like to inquire and/or apply for the position of the Executive Director, Kentucky 4-H Foundation please send your questions or you can submit a cover letter, resume and three references to info@kentucky4hfoundation.org.
Good luck and best wished to our friend of 4-H, Keith L. Rogers!
