Ollie Hill joined 4-H in rural Wiggins, CO, beginning a 10-year membership and over 45-year commitment to 4-H and youth development. In 1963, he was hired as Asst. Co. Agent for Fremont & Custer counties. Soon he was promoted to Area 4-H Agent for Alamosa, Rio Grande & Saguache Counties. Ollie developed a great passion for the kids, leaders, livestock projects and Equine Science. He became the Wyoming Asst. State 4-H Leader with a focus on the 4-H agricultural and equine projects and developing the State 4-H Foundation. His equine knowledge led him to serve on the National 4-H Horse Development Committee and involvement in national and regional horse competitions, wool and livestock judging contests.
Ollie attended a two-year training from the National Society of Fund-Raising Executives. Motivated by what he learned, he raised nearly $10 million dollars to build the State 4-H Foundation and support county-based programs and national 4-H events. He was promoted to Director of Ag. College Development and Public Relations, where he served as Director of the Wyoming Leadership, Education and Development Program, Ollie held leadership roles in NAE4-HA, including president in 1985. After retirement he helped the Wyoming Territorial Park in Laramie to develop a Ranch Land Exhibit and build a million-dollar endowment. Ollie has written 5 books and in 2009 he completed the NAE4-HA award-winning ” Arena Horse Play Game.”
