New Faces, Big Plans: 4-H Welcomes Four New Leaders to Its Board

The National 4-H Council welcomes four new leaders from diverse backgrounds to its Board of Trustees. Their mission: to equip young people for the future.

Meet the New Members

Deisha Barnett

• Role: President of Global Communications at UPS
• Background: 4-H Alumna
• Contribution: Developed public speaking skills in 4-H, still in use today.

Dr. Michael T. Benson

• Role: President of West Virginia University
• Background: Longtime education leader
• Belief: Education transforms lives; 4-H is a great starting point.

Brent Colburn

• Role: Vice President for Global Public Affairs at Microsoft
• Background: Experience in tech, government, and education
• Vision: 4-H can teach crucial digital skills to young people.

Taylor Thigpen

• Role: Social Entrepreneur and CEO of Local Hands Global Heart
• Background: Founded a nonprofit during the pandemic
• Belief: 4-H can help young people tackle significant challenges.

About 4-H

• Reach: Nearly six million young people in the U.S.
• Goal: Aiming to reach ten million by 2030.
• Affiliation: Part of the Cooperative Extension System and the USDA.
• Global Impact: Collaborates with programs in 50 countries.

The Future

These new leaders bring a wealth of skills and experiences. They are poised to help 4-H reach more young people and prepare them for an uncertain future.