Charles “Dean” McNeal

    National 4-H Council
    2005

    Chairman, National 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees

    Boyle, KS

    Charles “Dean” McNeal was a key player and contributor in the successful merging of the National 4-H Foundation and the National 4-H Service Committee into National 4-H Council.

    In 1972, McNeal was Group Vice-President of Pillsbury Company and Chairman, National 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. He joined with Grant Shrum, Executive Director, National 4-H Foundation, Norm Mindrum, Director, National 4-H Service Committee and Blaine Yarrington, Chairman, National Service Committee to discuss merging the two organizations.

    On April 24, 1975, the Joint Committee decided to create National 4-H Council, an organization that would share the fund-raising functions of the two organizations. The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) created an ad hoc committee to further develop and study the merger.

    On February 1, 1977, National 4-H Council became operational and began its efforts at the National 4-H Center in Washington, DC. McNeal continued on as a contributor to the 4-H movement after the merger. He passed away in 1998.

    Quote

    “My father started life on a farm and was proud to have ties to farming and agriculture throughout his life. He always believed in the importance of 4-H, its principles, and how it prepared many for a productive, meaningful life. He always felt his association and work with National 4-H Council was one small way he could contribute back for all he had received.”

    – Jerry McNeal, Charles McNeal’s son

    My 4-H Story