Jim Helt’s lifetime of work has had an enormous impact on 4-H. From his start as a 4-H agent to club advisor to state 4-H leader, his passion has always been seeking the best for youth and his colleagues. His work has been held in high-esteem by state 4-H leaders and his leadership, programmatic, and philanthropic achievements are respected nationwide.
Jim earned degrees from The Ohio State University in Agricultural Education before starting his 47-year Extension career. During his leadership as Extension Assistant Director and State Leader for Ohio 4-H, membership increased from 166,000 to 205,000. He initiated the first urban 4-H programs in Cincinnati, spearheaded specialized programs engaging and supporting youth-at-risk, and trained more than 2,100 4-H volunteers with an educational package he developed.
Retirement did not slow down Jim’s support of 4-H. He returned to OSU, continuing his passion for youth development to serve as a development officer. Under his leadership, $30 million was raised for scholarships and endowment funds. Jim was integral to the campaign that built the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on The Ohio State University campus. This center is unique among land-grant universities as a building dedicated to 4-H positive youth development.
Known for his commitment to making the best better, Jim received the Distinguished Service Award from NAE4-HA, was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame, Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame, the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame and received the Meritorious Service Award from The Ohio State University.
