Speakers, Guests &

4-H Elected Officers

Tim Ivey

Scotland County Commissioner, Chairman

Born in Laurinburg, Ivey grew up in Johns Station. After graduating from Scotland High in 1983, he achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout that same year. With a career spanning 28 years in Banking and Finance, Ivey ultimately retired from JP Morgan Chase, where he served as Vice President of the Executive Office for the CEO.

April Snead

Scotland County Manager

April M. Snead is the County Manager of Scotland County with over 20 years of experience. Her leadership at the Scotland County Department of Social Services earned national and state recognition, including awards from the National Association of Counties and the North Carolina Child Support Council. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a Master’s of Public Management degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Honorable Garland E. Pierce

NC House Representative D-48

Representative Garland E. Pierce presently represents North Carolina's House District 48, encompassing Scotland and Hoke Counties. With a tenure dating back to 2005, he has been an integral part of North Carolina's General Assembly. Before his political career, Representative Pierce served in the United States Army and later contributed to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fayetteville. His professional background includes retirement from United Parcel Service (UPS). Alongside his civic duties, he leads the congregation at Bright Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Laurinburg, North Carolina, bringing over four decades of ministry experience. Representative Pierce has actively participated in various civic organizations, such as the NC NAACP, the Scotland County Literacy Council, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has also held leadership positions within the North Carolina General Assembly. Representative Pierce earned his BS from Fayetteville State University and a Master’s of Divinity from Shaw University.

Mike Yoder, PhD, PAS

Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader, NC State University

Raised on a small crop and livestock farm in central Michigan, Mike Yoder pursued his passion for agriculture by earning Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Michigan State University in 1989. Dr. Yoder then relocated to Williamston, North Carolina, where he assumed the role of Director of the Equine Technology Program at Martin Community College. Transitioning to NC State University's Department of Animal Science in 1996, he initially served as a lecturer before transitioning to Extension roles within the department.

Continuing his academic journey, Dr. Yoder completed his Ph.D. in Policy Analysis in 2007. Since 2014, he has served as the Associate Director of Extension and State Program Leader for 4-H. Additionally, Dr. Yoder plays a pivotal role in coordinating disaster management efforts on behalf of NC State Extension.

Keith Walters

South Central District Director, NC State University

Raised on a family farm in Raeford, North Carolina, and currently resides in Pinehurst with his wife Allison and their three children, Jordan, Hope, and Luke. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Carolina State University. Keith began his career in 1999 as an agricultural Extension agent, focusing on field crops in Hoke and Cumberland Counties. Over the years, he transitioned to roles such as Hoke County Extension Director and District Extension Director for the Southeast District.

Currently, he serves as the District Extension Director for the South Central District, a position he has held for two years. In this role, Keith oversees recruitment, training, and supervision of staff across 19 counties, providing leadership to approximately 150 individuals. He collaborates closely with county Extension staff and government partners to meet the educational needs of the South Central District. Outside of work, Keith enjoys camping, boating, and spending quality time with family and friends.

South Central District 4-H Council

Olivia Stirrup

South Central District 4-H President (Rowan County)

Olivia, is an 18-year-old senior at South Rowan High School. Hailing from Rowan County, she has been an active participant in 4-H since 2018. Olivia's primary passion within 4-H lies in cooking, evident through her membership in the Rowan Rolling Pins. Her most significant accomplishment in 4-H was competing in the 2023 4-H Egg Chef Challenge and subsequently securing third place at the national level.

Rylee Crocker

South Central District 4-H Vice-President (Gaston County)

Rylee Crocker, a 17-year-old junior at Piedmont Community Charter School, has dedicated six years to Gaston County 4-H. Her primary area of interest within 4-H revolves around livestock. Rylee's most notable achievement in 4-H is her election as the South Central District Vice President for the 2023-2024 term.

Ryleigh Fulghum

South Central District 4-H Secretary/Treasurer (Rowan County)

Ryleigh brings her passion for organization and finance to the forefront. At 18 years old, she hails from Rowan County and is a student at South Rowan High School. Since 2018, Ryleigh has been an active member of 4-H, with her primary focus revolving around the culinary arts. She is an integral part of both the Rowan Rolling Pins and the Rowan County Council. Ryleigh has showcased her skills through 4-H presentations and has actively participated in events at the county, district, and state levels. One of her most significant accomplishments within 4-H is her election as the South Central District Secretary/Treasurer for the 2023/2024 term.

Nekoda Loughlin

South Central District 4-H Reporter (Cabarrus County)

Nekoda brings her enthusiasm for 4-H to the forefront. Beginning as a Cloverbud in Cleveland County, she transitioned to active participation in 4-H in Cabarrus County in 2019. Nekoda's interests primarily lie in animal science and science and technology within the 4-H realm. Notably, she has achieved the esteemed status of a gold level 4-H ambassador. Beyond her 4-H involvement, Nekoda dedicates her time as a firefighter at the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department.

Gavin Applewhite

South Central District 4-H Member Engagement (Richmond County)

Gavin, a resident of Richmond County and a senior at Richmond Senior High School, serves as the Member Engagement officer for the South Central District. At just 18 years old, he has been actively involved in 4-H since 2013, initially attending camps before deepening his engagement in 2016 by joining baking and barnyard clubs. One of Gavin's proudest accomplishments in 4-H is representing his county at a prestigious horse show. Additionally, he was honored to be elected as the Member Engagement officer for the 2023-2024 term, showcasing his dedication and leadership within the organization.

State 4-H Council

Jo Sundbom

State 4-H Council President (Edgecombe County)

Jo Sundbom has had an extensive and diverse involvement in 4-H activities over the last twelve years. Excelling in various clubs, she has shown particular prowess in livestock, forestry, and family consumer sciences, demonstrating her broad skill set and deep commitment to 4-H principles. At 19 years old, she is an incoming sophomore at North Carolina Wesleyan University, where she is continuing her academic journey with a focus on public health. Her leadership and achievements in 4-H not only underscore her dedication but also highlight her potential to impact public health significantly, leveraging her comprehensive 4-H experience to foster community well-being and sustainable practices.

Sally Cabrera

State 4-H Council Secretary/Treasurer (Lee County)

Sally Cabrera embarked on her 4-H journey with a fervor for quilting in Lee County, yet soon diversified her interests within the organization. Transitioning from quilting workshops and 4-H camps to delving into cooking clubs and the realm of electrical engineering, Sally discovered her true passion amidst the array of 4-H programs. It was within this diverse landscape that her enthusiasm for electrical engineering blossomed, shaping her future career path. Today, Sally not only pursues her own aspirations in electrical engineering but also actively fosters similar opportunities for others in Lee County. Leading her county's 4-H electric program and spearheading various electrical initiatives, Sally exemplifies how 4-H can inspire individuals to explore their passions and achieve their goals.

Jacob Hanlon

State 4-H Council Reporter (Burke County)

Jacob Hanlon epitomizes the core values of personal growth and community engagement upheld by North Carolina 4-H. Introduced to the organization at the tender age of five, Jacob has remained an active participant in Burke County for the past 14 years. His initial fascination with science and technology led him to the 4-H Electric Program, where his dedication has not only enriched his knowledge and skills but also garnered him every accolade and award at the state level. Beyond his accomplishments in the Electric Program, Jacob has honed vital life skills such as public speaking and leadership, propelling him towards becoming a confident and capable member of his community. Serving as the State Council Reporter, he adeptly combines his passion for photography and journalism with his commitment to 4-H, documenting events across the state. Inspired by his transformative journey, Jacob aspires to a career in youth development, aiming to instill in others the same values of resilience and community that have shaped his own 4-H experience.

Emma Haynes

State 4-H Council Member Engagement (Franklin County)

Emma Haynes, a Franklin County 4-H member since the age of five, focuses on rabbits and agriculture while actively engaging in leadership and community service. She has held multiple leadership roles at club, county, district, and state levels, including serving as President and Vice President. Emma was elected Northeast District President for 2021-2022 and appointed North Carolina 4-H State Council Member Engagement for 2023-2024. She excels in personal development competitions and represented North Carolina 4-H at the 2023 National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. and the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. Inducted into the NC 4-H Honor Club in 2022, Emma plans to study animal science and minor in music at the University of Mount Olive. She credits 4-H for guiding her career path and expresses gratitude for the support received.

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