Guelph, ONT. (April 5, 2024) – The Ontario 4-H Council is pleased to announce that Erica Murray of Perth 4-H Association has been elected as the new President of the Ontario 4-H Council. Erica assumed the role of president on March 23, 2024, at the Ontario 4-H Council inaugural meeting. She was first elected to the Ontario 4-H Council in 2020 and will take over the position of president from Laurie Farquharson.
Erica joined 4-H as a youth participant in 1996 and completed projects in both the Huron and Perth 4-H associations. Staying involved in both associations, she was the President of the Huron 4-H Association from 2012-2014, and also served as Vice President and Membership Coordinator there. From 2016-2019 Erica was the President of the Perth 4-H Association, and she also served as Vice President for that association.
A third generation 4-H volunteer, Erica had the honour of being an 4-H Ontario Ambassador in 2006. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Nipissing University, majoring in History, and a minor in political science, then received a diploma from Westervelt in paralegal studies, and was part of Class 17 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.
Her long history with 4-H is very apparent and she shares why she has been such a strong supporter and contributor for so many years. “I love the people that I have gotten to meet over the years in this program and the places that I have gotten to go. My 4-H experiences over the years have helped to shape the person I am today.”
When asked, “Why did you want to be President,” Erica replied: “I wanted to be part of the leadership moving the 4-H Ontario program forward and to take on a new challenge.”
A proud mom to a two-year-old son, Erica is also active in her community as a member of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, and she sits on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture Policy Advisory Council, her parish council and in her spare time, is a ringette referee.
In terms of the biggest challenges she sees ahead for the organization, she says: “Growing our youth and volunteer participation both inside and outside our traditional communities and navigating the changing landscape when it comes to government funding and sponsorship.”
Her favourite thing about 4-H? “I love to see how people blossom through their involvement. Whether it’s the youth or volunteers, everyone benefits from their involvement in this program.”
The Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors develops the vision and governance policies for 4-H Ontario. Each of the 50-plus 4-H Ontario associations elect an Association Representative (AR) to speak and vote on behalf of their association at the provincial level. Ten directors are elected from and by the pool of ARs to form the Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors have the responsibility of providing direction and vision for the 4-H Ontario program and are responsible for the management and direction of the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the management and direction of the 4-H Ontario staff, who manage daily operations of 4-H Ontario.
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About 4-H Ontario
4-H Ontario is a non-profit positive youth development organization that builds youth as leaders within their communities and assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today it is open to youth of all backgrounds across the province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, business, self-confidence and more. 4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.
For more information please contact:
Mary Haurilak, Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario
Cell: 519.803.5026
Email: communications@4-hontario.ca