Cheryl Kuhn has joined the North Dakota 4-H Foundation as its development director.

As the development director, Kuhn will be an advocate for the creation of relationships that lead to increased support for 4-H youth development programs in the state, according to Brad Cogdill, director of the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s Center for 4-H Youth Development.

Her major responsibilities include providing leadership on generating donors for the annual, endowed, capital fund and special project giving opportunities. She also will plan, implement and evaluate special events for donor development and recognition, and fundraising. In addition, she will be involved in community outreach, marketing and public relations on behalf of 4-H and the foundation.

Kuhn has nine years of experience in nonprofit development activities and more than 10 years of related experience, including youth development, marketing and public relations.

“Cheryl’s fundraising knowledge and experience will further develop our portfolio and provide an important role in securing private funds to support the statewide 4-H program,” Cogdill says. “We view her appointment as a sign of commitment to the youth of North Dakota.”

Kuhn earned a bachelor of science degree in mass communications, with an emphasis in advertising and marketing, from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She also holds a planned giving/nonprofit management certification from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn., and a nonprofit management/resource development/grants specialist certification.

“I passionately believe that the state of North Dakota and our citizens could never go wrong investing in 4-H,” she says. “Recent research - the ‘4-H Study of Youth Development’ - indicates that youth who are involved in 4-H make healthier choices, excel in school, especially math and science, and are three times more likely to actively contribute to their communities throughout their lives.

“4-H is doing the right thing by engaging youth in positive activities that build lifelong skills,” she adds. “I am truly honored to be part of the North Dakota 4-H Foundation.”

Kuhn replaces Mylie Lavold, who resigned in May because her family relocated.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Aug. 12, 2013