A veteran leader with an extensive history in 4-H has taken the reins of the organization. Jamie Harris is now the Interim Director of Tennessee 4-H Youth Development.
In her role, Harris will oversee all aspects of the organization, including continuing work on a strategic plan.
“It’s been several years since Tennessee 4-H has done a strategic plan, so it’s important that we continue to move forward by forming committees to look at the future of the 4-H program,” she says. Areas that might be tapped for improvement include strengthening partnerships with external stakeholders, diversifying projects to increase participation at the senior-high level and improving 4-H camping programs.
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“We have a strong 4-H program in Tennessee,” she says, noting the Volunteer State has the largest in-school 4-H club program in the nation. “Our 4-H agents are represented in every county, building relationships with principals and teachers to make sure standards are being met with our programming and hands-on activities.”
Over 152,000 youth participate in the state’s club program each year.
The 4-H agents on the county level are “amazing,” says Harris, noting staff at every level – state, regional and local – make Tennessee’s “the best 4-H program in the country.”
“We have a rich program with lots of history and tradition, and we are very proud of that,” Harris says. “But we realize youth have changed, and we need to look at their interests and how those have changed.”
She says growing interest in STEM topics such as drones and robotics are a few examples of additions and enhancements.
Award-Winning Youth Leader
Harris began her Extension career as a 4-H agent in Warren County in 1989, where she and her co-workers led a 4-H program known for excellence in club programming, judging teams and record book/portfolio competition. In 2012, she was promoted to work in the Central Region office as an area 4-H specialist, where she mentored 4-H agents and program assistants and oversaw regional teen activities, including the 4-H All Stars program. She joined the state 4-H staff in 2021. Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Tennessee Tech University and a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education services from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
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She says she has enjoyed various aspects of every role in which she has served, but her favorite part of 4-H is working with youth.
“Training a judging team or working with them on their public speaking skills are my favorite parts of being involved in 4-H,” says Harris, who notes the hands-on teaching approach differentiates 4-H from other youth organizations.
Among her accolades, Harris has received the Lloyd and Nettie Downen Endowment Fund Leadership Enhancement Award, the NAE4-HPYD Communications and Excellence in Teamwork Award, the TAE4-HW American Spirit Award, the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding 4-H Agent Award, and the NAE4-HYDP and NEAFCS Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award.
When she’s not working with 4-H youth and staff, Harris enjoys attending concerts. Harris says she and her husband, Stephen, have enjoyed live music from an eclectic list of artists this year, including KISS, the Jonas Brothers, The Chicks and another era-defining performer.
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“Not many people will know that my husband and I are Swifties,” Harris says, referring to the fanbase of singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. “Well, I thought we were Swifties until we attended her concert in Nashville and saw all those teenage girls around us who knew every word to every song. It was just amazing.”
