MSU Extension 4-H

Michigan 4-H Foundation trustees were elected to as officers of the foundation at its fall board meeting Oct. 7.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that supports the mission and vision of Michigan State University (MSU) Extension 4-H Youth Development statewide. The foundation receives donations from individuals and organizations to support 4-H youth development.

Michigan 4-H Foundation trustees are volunteers who manage foundation policies and operations, and are community advocates for ongoing and increasing support for 4-H. They are also charged with overseeing the activities of foundation staff members and working on committees developed to facilitate foundation operations.

Newly elected Michigan 4-H Foundation officers are:

President

Thomas L. Bosserd, Plymouth
A Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee since 2016, Tom Bosserd is Calhoun County 4-H alumnus and was raised on a dairy farm near Marshall, Mich. He chaired the foundation’s Facilities Committee from 2017-2022 and provided leadership to the sale of Kettunen Center. Bosserd is semi-retired from Halderman Farm Management and Real Estate Services where he serves farm clients in Michigan. He previously had his own appraisal business, specializing in farm properties, and worked for GreenStone Farm Credit Services for 20 years prior. He has been a certified general appraiser in Michigan since 1994, and a licensed real estate salesperson since 2002. He is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and is a past president of the Michigan Chapter. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, both in business administration.

Vice President

Andrew Walker, Saginaw
Andrew Walker currently serves as staff attorney at Legal Services of Eastern Michigan in Saginaw. He became an attorney in 2014 after passing the Michigan Bar and receiving his Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law, cum laude. He also received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University’s James Madison College in political theory and constitutional democracy. While attending MSU as an undergraduate, he was active in Student Senate, Collegiate FFA, Leadership in Environmental and Agricultural Fields Club and the MSU Block and Bridle Club. He is an Ogemaw County 4-H alumnus.

Treasurer

Melissa Humphrey, Fowler
Melissa Humphrey serves as regional vice president of sales and customer relations for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. In this role, she is the leader of the financial services officers, crop insurance agents and financial services staff in the Charlotte, Grand Rapids, Hart, Hastings, and Ionia offices. She is not only responsible for the customer service from this group, but also for the guidance and development of this sales team. Humphrey began her career at GreenStone in 2004 as a credit trainee. She soon transferred to the position of financial services officer, and later to senior financial services officer at the St. Johns branch. In this role, Humphrey assisted part-time farmers and country living customers with their financing needs, including home and home site purchases, construction projects, as well as recreational land loans. A graduate of Michigan State University (MSU), Humphrey earned a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management and graduated from the Great Lakes Leadership Academy at MSU in 2015.

 Secretary

Julie A. Chapin, Ph.D., Portland
Julie Chapin, Ph.D., has served as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee since 2010 and was board secretary from 2010 until her retirement in 2018. She became secretary of the board upon her return as state 4-H leader and director for the MSU Extension Institute for Children and Youth effective June 1, 2022. In 1981, she began her career as an MSU Extension 4-H youth agent, served as the youth animal science specialist, state 4-H program leader for volunteer development before becoming institute director. She has been honored for her Extension service with both the Michigan and National Distinguished Service Awards. She is an Ottawa County 4-H alumna and 4-H Emerald Clover Society member. Chapin holds three degrees from Michigan State University: a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, a master’s degree in Extension education, and a doctorate in higher, adult and lifelong education.

Immediate Past President

Sheila Wade Kneeshaw, Detroit
Sheila Wade Kneeshaw serves as the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association (WNF&GA), Michigan Division representative on the foundation’s board, a tradition that began with the incorporation of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Kneeshaw also served as president of the Indian Village Branch, WNF&GA. Before retiring, Kneeshaw worked for 40 years as an employee of the City of Detroit serving in roles that included economic development manager and project manager. She is an avid gardener and arts activist, additionally serving as a member of The Herb Society of America – The Grosse Pointe Unit; Western Wayne County Master Gardener Association; Nichols School Garden – Jr. Master Gardener Program; Meadowbrook Hall Garden Club; the Detroit Garden Center Garden Club; Theatre Arts Club of Detroit; Fine Arts Club; The Grosse Pointe Theatre; and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Trustee elections

Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustee elections were held at the Oct. 7 Michigan 4-H Foundation Annual Membership meeting.

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Tom Bosserd, of Plymouth; Douglas Lewis, Milan; Mike Sweers, Dansville, and Roxanne Turner, Howell. Ervin Currie II, Midland, was confirmed to a three-year term by the membership.

In addition, Grace Schmidt, of South Lyon, retired from the board and was recognized for her service.

 The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of Michigan State University Extension.