As State 4-H Director, Mike provided administrative and program leadership for the Michigan 4-H system involving 200,000 youth, 25,000 volunteers, 170 campus and field-based educators, and many private supporters. The state 4-H budget exceeded $8 million. Program development evolved and thrived under his leadership. He recognized that quality programs require the right blend of quality people to do quality work. He recruited and supported a large and diverse cadre of state and county faculty and staff. He developed many partnerships with nonprofits, which increased 4-H visibility, and strengthened relations with policymakers. He was the principal development officer for nearly $7 million in grants during his Michigan 4-H tenure.
Working with Mike was life-changing for many. He acknowledged the value of everyone’ contributions and created endless opportunities for those involved in Michigan 4-H to reach high, develop and achieve. Mike set the bar high and rallied people to rise to the occasion. He prepared staff and volunteers to take on things they didn’ know were possible. He would often state, “‘ time to take a risk,” when rallying support for a new initiative. He was excellent at tapping resources and extensive in his reach that was guided by youth development concepts and experiential learning. He also made sure that 4-H had ” voice,” at the local level and at the state level through programming committees, design teams and task forces.
