Kettunen was Michigan State 4-H club leader from 1925-1956. With passage of the Capper-Ketcham Act in 1928, Kettunen was charged with building statewide staffing for 4-H expansion. By 1950, 38 of Michigan’s 83 counties had county 4-H agents and 14 district youth agents serving multiple counties. In 1950 Kettunen organized the first state 4-H council to keep programming connected to the needs of local communities. Kettunen joined other national 4-H leaders in helping to build the National 4-H Center through financial investments and national advocacy. He then made sure young people from Michigan and around the country joined in learning opportunities made possible by that center. Kettunen avidly supported establishing the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE).
Kettunen’s realized that financial support was critical to 4-H growth. His leadership is marked by the development of state legislative funding called the “4-H Club Allocation Fund.” In 1952, Kettunen mobilized business and community leaders to found the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The foundation support made Michigan 4-H an active participant in urban 4-H program development, IFYE exchanges, and the orientation, training and recognition of 4-H volunteers. Kettunen convinced business and industry leaders to invest in a facility that would foster stronger training and volunteer development. Kettunen Center was Kettunen’s vision, but he unfortunately died before his legacy came to fruition. Today the center, initially named “Camp Kett,” bears his name and continues to serve his vision.
