Meet the 2024-25 Tennessee 4-H State Council

Each year, a new batch of promising 4-H members are elected to serve on the Tennessee 4-H State Council. As the governing body and leadership group for the state’s 4-H youth development program, the Council provides leadership for state-level 4-H events and promotes 4-H across the state. The 21 members of the Council are elected by their peers yearly at three statewide events – State 4-H Congress, State 4-H Roundup and All-Star Conference.

The officers represent the three regions in Tennessee, and they meet quarterly to plan events and programs, with a special focus on youth leadership, community service and personal development.

“The Council offers young people the opportunity to develop public speaking, leadership and organizational skills, and often includes older 4-H members who have demonstrated significant involvement in the program,” says Jamie Harris, Interim State 4-H Leader.

This year’s lineup of officers definitely meets those parameters, and then some. Now juniors and seniors in high school, all 21 have been involved in 4-H since they were in elementary school, and all give credit to the organization for shaping their life thus far.

“4-H has enabled me to serve others with my head, heart, hands and health,” says State Council President Gabe Harville. “Whether we were making holiday cards for nursing home residents or assisting at Governor Bill Lee’s 2023 inauguration ceremony, I have been blessed to serve others in my club, community, country and world – this organization has given me the chance to meet so many new people who have profoundly influenced the way I speak, think and act.”

A significant part of their roles as State Council officers will involve public speaking, a skill that each of them has honed and polished over the years in 4-H. They’ll have ample opportunity to use their voices for good during their time in office.

“To be on the stage, speaking – there’s no better feeling than to have worked so hard and be able to achieve it,” says Logan West, All-Star Chief. “Looking back on all the time you spent trying to be the best that you could possibly be, trying to hone those skills and seeing it pay off – it’s the pinnacle, the moment that we’re able to really give back to the people who gave us this opportunity.”

Wearing their signature green blazers, the State Council leadership team are integral to the success of major 4-H events, namely the Tennessee 4-H Congress, and the Tennessee 4-H Roundup and All Star Conference.

The Roundup and All Star Conference is open to all project finalists, state winners, all stars and volunteers. Its purpose is to provide senior 4-H members with education, recognition and opportunities for growth. The event takes place in the summer, and many 4-H members say that friendships formed here last for a lifetime.

Similarly, the State Congress is another cornerstone event, fostering leadership, networking and emphasizing the importance of civic involvement.

“I really enjoy bonding with the 4-H’ers on state council and everyone else,” says Isaac Welch, State Council Vice President. “A big part of 4-H is citizenship and giving back, and getting to plan big events like 4-H Congress and 4-H Roundup is part of that.”

Serving on State Council is a big responsibility, there’s no doubt about that – but Harville, West, Welch and their fellow Council members seem eager to take on the challenge. From organizing major events and service projects to representing Tennessee on the national stage, these students are dedicated to advocating for agriculture. It’s a chance to give back, to lead and to very much “Make the Best Better.”

Meet the Council

Gabe Harville
State Council President
Smith County

Gabe joined 4-H because of its focus on developing life skills and fostering leadership in young people. He is excited to serve on the State Council, anticipating the implementation of new programs and initiatives that will expand opportunities for Tennessee 4-H members.

Isaac Welch
State Council Vice President
Wayne County

Isaac initially joined 4-H seeking a new adventure after moving to Tennessee. Encouraged by his mother, he decided to give it a try and hasn’t looked back since. Isaac is passionate about helping to grow and encourage the next generation of 4-H members.

Grace Huff
State Council Secretary
McMinn County

Grace is eager to promote 4-H and help others access the same enriching experiences she has been fortunate to receive. For Grace, the essence of 4-H lies in its people, the opportunities it presents, and the hope it instills for the future. She believes 4-H is shaping leaders not just for today, but for generations to come.

Logan West
State All Star Chief
Macon County

Logan embarked on his 4-H journey in the 5th grade when she began showing swine. That first step opened her eyes to the vast array of opportunities and competitive events the program offered. She loves 4-H because it truly offers something for everyone, whether their passion lies in cooking, sewing, singing, livestock, or anything else – 4-H has just the thing!

Jadian Keith
Tennessee 4-H Governor
Franklin County

Jadian grew up with 4-H as a family tradition. She is grateful for every opportunity 4-H has provided, but serving on the Tennessee 4-H State Council stands out as an incredible honor. Jadian values this experience because it offers opportunities beyond regular education, providing crucial real-life knowledge and experience.