UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Christy Bartley, youth program coordinator in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has assumed additional duties as program leader for Pennsylvania 4-H, the 100-year-old youth development organization administered by Penn State Cooperative Extension.

As 4-H program leader, Bartley will establish a statewide strategic planning structure that will set the direction of the program by building on the needs of youth and volunteer leaders. She also is charged with developing 4-H programs that will be supported by new corporate and organizational partnerships.

"As the 4-H program leader, Christy will provide the desired visionary and contemporary leadership for our 4-H efforts across the commonwealth," says Blannie Bowen, head of the agricultural and extension education department. "She will interact with other state and national 4-H leaders who are confronting issues and opportunities similar to those that face our program. This interaction will allow us to have one of the strongest programs in the country."

"With Christy assuming these new responsibilities, we are increasing our day-to-day leadership and support of the 4-H program," says Ted Alter, associate dean and director of cooperative extension and associate vice president of outreach.

Pennsylvania 4-H had been directed by Marilyn Corbin, state program leader for children, youth and families. "Christy's appointment will allow me more time to support a broader role for new children, youth and family program initiatives," says Corbin.

"Additionally, I will continue to provide support for resource development for 4-H programs. We are very pleased to have Christy's leadership as she brings a wide-range of skills that will be most valuable to this position." Bartley will provide leadership in evaluating 4-H programs and develop efficient programming practices to ensure strong county/state/regional collaborations. She will serve as Penn State Cooperative Extension's 4-H representative and liaison with state and federal agencies, including the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture and Education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Leadership Trust, national and state program leaders, and National 4-H Council.

Bartley has served as youth program coordinator since 1994. Previously, she was a Penn State Cooperative Extension agent in Northampton and Monroe counties and a high school biology teacher. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Muhlenburg College and a master's degree in science education from Rutgers University. Bartley is currently a doctoral candidate in adult education at Penn State.

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EDITORS: Contact Christy Bartley at 814-863-3828 or cek4@psu.edu (e-mail).

Contact:

Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #184