Errol led NAE4-HA at a time when Extension experienced unprecedented cuts and staff reductions. NAE4-HA faced reduced membership and a sense of gloom. His leadership helped set the stage for an in-depth strategic planning effort on professional development which moved the association forward with confidence. Membership held at 3,400 in spite of the loss of many 4-H Agents across the country. Over eight years, Errol held NAE4-HA positions of Western Region Director, Treasurer, Vice-President, President-Elect, President and Past President. During his tenure, the Achievement In Service Award was created to recognize agents with fewer than seven years of service, and a Life Member Task Force was created.
Under Errol’ leadership, a ” Forum” was organized to improve relations with Extension, USDA, and University administrators, and an ad hoc committee was formed to launch the 4-H Professional Research and Knowledge Center at the National Ag Library. Errol began his career as an Education Specialist in Utah, became an Area Specialist and State 4-H Staff Specialist in Kansas, and an Area Extension Educator in Illinois. He had the ability to bring together diverse individuals and viewpoints to collectively solve problems, and, throughout his career, he made it his goal to help disadvantaged youth and adults grow citizenship skills and self-confidence through involvement in 4-H programming.
