Tennessee 4-H Foundation President Matt Fennel is feeling optimistic about what’s ahead for the organization.
“Thanks to good financial investments, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the past few years, and we’re more sizable than we were even five or ten years ago,” Fennel says. “I’m hoping that we can continue to build on the strong foundation we have.”
One big item on Fennel’s agenda is the results of the five-year strategic planning that’s underway at 4-H headquarters.
“We’re anxiously anticipating them, and we’ll be ready and willing to help engage however we can,” he says.
Fennel Is 4-H Forever
Since he was a young man involved in the 4-H Swine Program in Obion County, Fennel has been active and involved in the organization. He finds that telling the 4-H story to potential sponsors and donors is an easy task.
“Usually it’s as simple as getting them to recollect the positive experiences they had as a 4-Her, especially if they went to camp,” he says. “Our four camping centers are one of our best and strongest programs to get youth engaged. Camping is a strong asset for us now, and it has the potential to grow dramatically in the coming years.”
See more: Meet Corinne Gould, 4-H Alumni and Friends President
These days, Fennel’s day job is working as Regional Field Director for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation where he serves 13 northwest Tennessee counties.
It’s a job that keeps him up-to-date on the latest 4-H news.
“I’m a liaison with the county Farm Bureau board of directors and the state organization,” Fennel says. “I work with volunteer leaders all the time, so those skills roll easily into work with the foundation. And I’m so blessed to work for an organization that supports the things I’m passionate about, like 4-H.”
Building Better Citizens
Fennel points to current labor shortages and supply chain issues as the value of 4-H for the employment force of the future.
“You don’t have to look very far to see the need for training young people in skills, leadership and communication. What we do at 4-H is the key to making better adults and more responsible citizens,” Fennel says. “Even during the pandemic, the camping staff had creative solutions for continuing learning, including traveling shows that went county-by-county to do meaningful and fun activities with smaller groups.”
See more: Alumni Spotlight: Rhedona Rose
As far as his own vision for the years ahead, Fennel is confident that the foundation will continue to make big strides.
“We’ve had great leaders prior to me, and I’m sure better ones will be coming after me. What we’re focusing on now is making the right moves and being nimble enough to adjust to changing demographics and dynamics,” Fennel says. “We’ve done a good job getting corporate funding support, and with the industry growth we’re experiencing statewide, we need to be poised to explore natural opportunities for partnership with new donors, partners and contributors.”