By: Pam Rowsey Larson, Chairperson, Kentucky 4-H Foundation
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is excited to announce Melissa G. Miller as Executive Director, beginning March 1st. Melissa has been serving as the Interim Executive Director for about a year. Previous to her interim position she worked for the Foundation on Marketing and Public Relations writing blogs, newsletters, and developing marketing materials.
“We are very lucky to have someone of Melissa’s talent and experience to lead us,” said Pam Rowsey Larson, Chairperson, Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “We are excited to see what the future holds for the Foundation and I know Melissa will play a pivotal role in taking us to the next level.”
Melissa brings an extensive agriculture background to the Foundation. Melissa served Kentucky’s poultry industry for nearly ten years as the Kentucky Poultry Federation, Executive Director. While serving the KPF, she had the privilege of working with 4-H at the state and national level with the Kentucky 4-H Egg Demonstration contest and serving as the co-chair of the National 4-H Egg Demonstration Contest; along with assisting the Poultry Judging Competition, Avian Bowl, and Chicken and Turkey Barbecue Competitions. During her tenure the poultry industry became Kentucky’s number one commodity.
She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture with a major in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agriculture Economics. Melissa grew up in Allen County on a second generation family farm, Little Brothers Dairy, where her dad and uncle ran a dairy and tobacco farm.
In Melissa’s new role as the Executive Director she is responsible for the oversight and management of the operations of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. She will serve as the lead liaison between the Foundation and the 4-H staff, volunteers, donors and 4-H members.
“I look forward to serving Kentucky 4-H as the Executive Director of the Foundation,” said Melissa. “I am anxious to begin this new journey with the Kentucky 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and excited to see what the future holds.”
Melissa serves as the President of the Hardin County Cattlemen’s Association, member of the Hardin County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and member of Valley Creek Baptist Church.
The Miller’s at their farming operation, Sawmill Farm. From left to right Aaron, Mattie, Avery, Aiden and Melissa.
Melissa and her husband, Aaron, reside in Elizabethtown with their three children, Mattie, Avery and Aiden. Sawmill Farm in Campbellsville is where they spend their free time on their commercial poultry farming operation.
As the Foundation is looking to the future we hope that you will join us in Making the Best Better. If you want to become a donor by supporting Kentucky 4-H go to our website at www.kentucky4hfoundation.org or contact Melissa at melissag.miller@uky.edu. We want YOU to be a partner with us in supporting the best kept secret in youth development.
