Corinne Gould is the president of the Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends, but that isn’t the only role she serves in the agriculture industry. From the very start, Gould knew there was something special about the organization.

Growing Up Green

Before Gould was even in this world, 4-H was a part of her family. Her mom was a leader in the organization in Rhea County, where she started the first 4-H Horse Club. So, it was no surprise that Gould and her brother both attended their first 4-H event as infants.

“We have always joked that the blood runs green in our family,” Gould says.

Gould grew up in Spring City riding and showing horses and from that point on, was very active from in 4-H at the county, state and national levels.

“The horse project and public speaking were my two favorite focuses.” Gould says. “However, I think I tried almost every project and contest at least once.”

Wearing Many Hats

After her active 4-H career and a booming career in communications, Gould now serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. In that role, she oversees internal and external communications and provides administrative support for media relations, policy development and all agency programs. She also serves as the administrator for the Tennessee Agricultural Museum.

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“I get to work with an amazing team of people who are not only talented in their professions, but they also care deeply about agriculture and the citizens we serve,” Gould says.

One of the best parts of the many hats she wears in the industry, though, is being able to represent the department at 4-H events statewide. So, not only does she serve as the president of the Tennessee 4-H Alumni, but 4-H is wrapped up in her day-to-day work as well.

Gould owns a small farm in Rutherford County and still holds the love for horses that flourished in 4-H. She has three American Quarter Horses, two of which she bred and raised. She also maintains her own business by announcing horse shows and equine events nationwide.

Owes It All to 4-H

Through all her great accomplishments in her career and personal life, Gould truly believes she wouldn’t be where she is without 4-H.

“From decision making to record keeping to speaking with confidence, 4-H prepared me in every way for where I am today,” she says.

The simpler things like trying new contests allowed her to expand her knowledge in a supportive and encouraging environment. Events like 4-H camp, Academic Conference, Congress and Round Up allowed her to interact with hundreds of kids from varied backgrounds for multiple days of leading and learning.

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“An environment like that quickly teaches independence and the value of forming personal connections,” Gould says.

Those events stuck with Gould, and she often reflects on them in her career now. For example, her job often requires her to walk into a room full of strangers to advocate for agriculture. Other times, she has to learn a lot about an unfamiliar topic in a short period of time. She’s able to do all those things because of what she learned as a member in 4-H.

“Success requires adaptability and remaining cool under pressure,” Gould says, “It doesn’t matter if I’m applying these skills in a boardroom or a ballroom in Nashville, Washington, D.C., or Hong Kong, I gained these skills through 4-H.”

The Key to the World

Like many others, 4-H bled into the adult life and career of Gould rather than being just a youth organization. And she wants that for others too. She says by joining 4-H in school, you will gain memorable experiences, invaluable education and friendships that can last forever.

“4-H means life opportunities, life skills and lifelong friends,” says Gould. “The clover is actually a key to the world, and I am beyond glad I found it.”