Ontario 4-H Council

The Ontario 4-H Council was established in 1988 and incorporated in 1990. On April 1, 2000, the Council became responsible for 100% of the development and delivery of the 4-H program in Ontario. Each of the 54 4-H Ontario Associations elect one representative that speaks on behalf of the Association at the provincial level.  This Volunteer is the voting body for the Association at the provincial level and is called the Association Representative.  From the 54 Association Representatives, the Ontario 4-H Council is developed and from that group 10 directors are elected at the 4-H Ontario Conference and Annual Meeting. Five directors are elected annually to serve a two-year term. The staggered terms provides for continuity in the governance of the organization. Additionally, the board elects an Executive Committee which is comprised of the Past President, President, Vice President and one Director chosen annually. The board appoints a Director-Community and a Director-Youth to sit on the board.

The Ontario 4-H Council sets policies for 4-H in Ontario.  Operating under a Governance Policy model the Executive Committee & Board of Directors develop the vision and policies for 4-H Ontario.  The Board of Directors have the unique responsibility of providing direction and vision on behalf of its many participants.  The Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors is responsible for the management and direction of the Executive Director, who is responsible for the management and direction of the rest of the 4-H Ontario staff. The 4-H Ontario staff manage the daily operational affairs of the organization.

To operate the program, the Council solicits support annually (cash and in-kind) from public and private sector donors. In addition, local 4-H Associations seek financial support in their own community. An important partnership exists between the Ontario 4-H Council and the Ontario 4-H Foundation. The Ontario 4-H Foundation enodwment fund generates income to augment annual donations to the Ontario 4-H Council.

Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors

John den Haan, President Read more about John here >
Shonna Ward, Past President
Brian O’Neill, Vice President
Anne Verhallen, Director at Large
Cassandra Chornoboy, Director-Youth
Valerie Stone, Ontario Youth Representative, Canadian 4-H Council
Beverly Agar
Anne Conrad
Angie Fairfield
Kim McCaw
Marie McNabb
Dave McNichols
Tammy Oswick-Kearney
Shirley Tomlinson

email the council President