MSU Extension Benzie County Extension Office

Allison Ballard is a Michigan State University Extension 4-H program coordinator in Benzie & Manistee County. She has worked in this capacity since June 2020.

 

In this role, Ali provides leadership and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants in Benzie & Manistee County. She promotes and strengthens the Benzie & Manistee County 4-H program by developing programs and partnerships, promoting and evaluating 4-H programs, and recruiting and training volunteers. Ali is also the liaison from the state Michigan 4-H office helps to ensure that statewide opportunities and information is available to local participants.

 

Ali is an alumi of the Grand Traverse and Antrim 4-H horse program and horses and dogs remain her favorite 4-H projects.

 

Before joining MSU Extension in 2020, Ali attended Murray State University where she worked with local schools, FFA, and 4-H programs through outreach with the University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a focus on Equine Science. She interned with the Kentucky Horse Park after college and spent a number of years working with high level hunter/jumper and sport horse barns, teaching and working with youth and the public.

 

In the future, Ali hopes to continue her education in the fields of Agriculture and Education. She enjoys being outside and socializing, paddle boarding on the river, farming, gardening, reading, football, and spending time with her family.