John G. Lancaster served 36 years as a youth development professional in Virginia and Maryland: County Agent, Prince Edward County, Virginia (1940 – 1955); Negro County Agent, St. Mary’ County, Maryland (1957 – 1961); Assistant County Agent, St. Mary’ County, Maryland (1961 – 1962); County Extension Agent, 4-H, St. Mary’ County, Maryland (1962 – 1974); Program Leader, 4-H EFNEP, University of Maryland, College Park (1974 – 1978). In 1972, Lancaster served as the first African-American President of the National Association of Extension Workers – 4-H, which is known today as the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA).
While NAE4-HA president, Mr. Lancaster established relationships with southern states and encouraged extension 4-H agents and professionals to join their professional association. His efforts were successful and the first members from the southern states began to join. After retirement from the Extension Service, Lancaster served on the St. Mary’ County School Board in 1981 and was elected to the St. Mary’ County Board of Commissioners, where he served from 1982 to 1990. Lancaster resides in St. Mary’ County with his wife Albertine.
