State 4-H Leadership Team
The leadership team consists of senior 4-H members that are officers, diplomats, and ambassadors. Certification and/or applications for State Officer positions are sent out by the State 4-H Office in late spring and must be returned to the State 4-H Office by mid June. Certification and/or applications for State Ambassador and Diplomat positions are sent out by the State 4-H Office in August and must be returned to the State 4-H Office by mid November.
Meet the Leadership Team
State Officers
A state 4-H officer serves as a member of a seven-person team in representing New Mexico at statewide functions. These functions include, but are not limited to: New Mexico State Fair responsibilities, planning and conducting Youth Get-Away, State 4-H Conference responsibilities, providing county or multi-county leadership workshops, and contacting public offices on 4-H related matters. State 4-H officers are permitted to participate in one competitive event during State 4-H Conference if it does not conflict with any other responsibilities. Officers are expected to place the highest priority on their job as an officer. While family and school come first, state officer's responsibilities are to be placed over other organizations and athletics when conflicts exist.
State 4-H Officers Elected at State Conference
by Margaret Kovar
The 2009-10 State 4-H Council Officers were elected during the 86th Annual State 4-H Conference held July 13-17 in Las Cruces at New Mexico State University.
The five officers campaigned throughout the week-long event with posters, business cards and speeches. Delegates representing counties from across the state voted for the candidates during the conference.
President - Kassandra (Kassi) Grooms
The 2008-09 president is Kassi Grooms, 17, of Las Cruces. Grooms was the 2008-09 state secretary. She participates in the crops and wildlife contests in 4-H.
Vice President - Georgia Mitchell
Georgia Mitchell, 16, of Tucumcari, was elected vice-president. She is a former state 4-H ambassador and competes in the livestock judging and livestock skillathon contests.
"I firmly believe that 4-H is an exceptional organization with unlimited opportunities, and I wanted to help 'make the best better,'"
Secretary - Augusta Ahlm
Augusta Ahlm, 16, of Raton was elected secretary. Ahlm's 4-H projects have included horses, rifle and swine.
"4-H has taught me so much through the years and has made me into the person I am today. I feel the next step in my 4-H career would be to give back to other 4-H'ers by helping lead them."
Treasurer - Danielle Lowry
The 2009-10 treasurer is Danielle Lowry, 16, of Albuquerque. Lowry raises and shows livestock and enjoys baking and cake decorating.
Song/Recreation Leader - Garrett Schmidt
The song and recreation leader is Garrett Schmidt, 17, of Corrales. Schmidt is a former state 4-H ambassador and is involved with the organization at both the club and county levels.
The advisor to the 2009-10 State 4-H Council Officer Team is Robyn Kelley, of Albuquerque.
"I couldn't be more excited about the upcoming year. I'm driven by seeing young people come into 'their own' and it thrills me to be in the midst of 4-H's creme de la creme. Aside from having a craaaazy amount of fun, my hope is that we, as a team, will bring 4-H to the next level--making the best better!!"
back to topAmbassadors
A State 4-H Ambassador serves on a team of four senior 4-H members. Ambassadors' responsibilities include assisting with the parade and tours at the New Mexico State Fair, planning and conducting Senior Leadership Retreat in conjunction with Diplomats. Ambassadors also represent New Mexico at JOLT in Heber,AZ, provide training and support to county ambassadors, State 4-H Conference responsibilities, and assist the New Mexico 4-H Youth Foundation in donor contacts and public relations.
NM Ambassadors and Dilomats
by Jane Moorman
Ambassadors
Brandi Smith
Brandi Smith of Aztec was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16. Brandi, the daughter of Sally Hood, is a sophomore at Aztec High School. Her school extracurricular activities include choir. As a member of the Clever Clover 4-H Club she has served as president, vice president, reporter and recreation leader. Of the many 4-H projects she has participated in raising goats and baking are her favorites.
Jeremy Witte
Jeremy Witte of Las Cruces was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16. Jeremy, the son of Jeff and Janet Witte, is a junior at Las Cruces High School. His school extracurricular activities include participating in the National Honor Society and FFA, where he is the chapter reporter. As a member of the Desert Clover 4-H Club he has served as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and reporter. He has also served as county council vice president, treasurer and secretary. Of the many 4-H projects he has participated in, raising market goats and replacement dairy heifers, and photograph are his favorite.
Chelsea Rodriguez
Chelsea Rodriguez of Animas was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16. Chelsea, the daughter of Dean and Lori Rodriguez, is a sophomore at Animas High School. Her school extracurricular activities include participating in Business Professionals of America and Mock Trial, playing volleyball and serving on the student council as the president of the sophomore class. As a member of the Cotton City 4-H Club, she has served as the club president and secretary of the county council. Of the many 4-H projects she has participated in, horse and art are her favorites.
Courtney Hurt
Courtney Hurt of Deming was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16. Courtney, the daughter of Tamara Hurt, is a sophomore at Deming High School. Her school extracurricular activities include volleyball, track and FFA, where she serves a chapter secretary. As a member of the Gage Gophers 4-H Club, she has served as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and song and recreation leader. She has also served as the 4-H county council treasurer, secretary and reporter. Of the many 4-H projects she has participated in, her favorites are raising market lambs and market swine, cattle breeding, sewing, public speaking, leadership and shooting sports.
Diplomats
A State 4-H Diplomat serves on a team of four senior 4-H members. Diplomats' responsibilities include assisting with the parade and tours at the New Mexico State Fair, planning and conducting Senior Leadership Retreat in conjunction with Diplomats. Ambassadors also represent New Mexico at JOLT in Heber,AZ, provide training and support to county youth, State 4-H Conference responsibilities, and assisting with recreational activites.
Taylor Whitaker
Taylor Whitaker of Dexter was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16.Taylor, the daughter of Phala and Harold Whitaker, is a sophomore at Dexter High School. Her school extracurricular activities include cheerleading and working on the yearbook as a staff member. As a member of the Berrendo 4-H Club, she has served as vice president and secretary. Of the many 4-H projects she has participated in, rodeo is her favorite.
Chelsea Fons
Chelsea Fons of Hobbs was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 16. Chelsea, the daughter of August and Lynn Fons, is a junior at Hobbs High School. Her school extracurricular activities include participating in the National Honor Society, student council, cheerleading and working on the school’s yearbook as a staff member. As a member of the Tierra Verde Country 4-H Club, she has served as president, as well as the county council president. Of the many 4-H projects she has participated in, interior design, baking and canning are her favorites.
Savannah Arrey
Savannah Arrey of Las Cruces was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16. Savannah, the daughter of Mary and Jerome Arrey, is a sophomore at Onate High School. Her school extracurricular activities include choir and softball. As a member of the White Sands 4-H Club, she has served as county ambassador. Of the many 4-H projects she has participated in, scrapbooking, arts and crafts, and photography are her favorites.
Brad Cosper
Brad Cosper of Los Lunas was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque Jan. 16. Brad, the son of Eileen and Jerry Cosper, is a sophomore at Valencia High School. His school extracurricular activities include FFA. As a member of the High Horizon 4-H Club, he has served as president, vice president and treasurer. Of the many 4-H projects he has participated in raising market steers is his favorite.