Who We Are

Mission & Vision

More young people need the kind of hands-on, youth development experiences that 4‑H provides. Experiences where they can learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas and use their influence to drive positive outcomes. The Kansas 4‑H Foundation works with businesses, organizations, individuals and families who share a common desire to support a statewide effort of growing our future leaders. The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fundraising arm for Kansas 4‑H, the state’s largest youth development program, as well as Rock Springs Ranch.

History

The Kansas 4‑H Foundation works with organizations and individuals who share a common purpose to support a statewide effort of growing future leaders. The KS4HFDN is the 501(c)(3) fundraising arm for Kansas 4‑H, the state’s largest positive youth development organization, and Rock Springs Ranch, the state 4‑H center. Kansas 4‑H began in 1905 and is delivered by Kansas State University Cooperative Extension reaching more than 80,000 kids yearly in all Kansas counties.

1905: Kansas 4‑H began when organized groups of youth came together to "learn by doing.”

1914: The Smith-Lever Act established the Cooperative Extension System, connecting Land Grant universities and nationalizing 4‑H as a positive youth development program.

1945: Kansas 4‑H Leader J. Harold Johnson envisioned creating a dedicated space for leadership development. Kansas 4‑H clubs identified Rock Springs Ranch, a former cattle operation southwest of Junction City, as the ideal location for this initiative.

1946: Kansas 4‑H clubs purchased Rock Springs Ranch, transforming it into the state 4‑H center. This facility has since served over 1 million Kansas youth, offering immersive 4‑H experiences that embody the organization's values of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

1952: The Kansas 4‑H Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to hold the title of Rock Springs Ranch and provide philanthropic support to the 4‑H program.

Board of Trustees

Kent R. Bradley – Board Member

Teresa L. Clounch – Board Member

David Delker – Board Member

Cheryl Gleason – Board Member

James L. Gordon – Secretary

Dr. Gregg Hadley – Consulting Trustee

Carolyn Harms – Chair

Carolyn Jackson – Board Member

Connie Pelton Kays – Treasurer

Bill Keller – Board Member

Cheryl Mussatto – Board Member

Dr. Sarah Maass – Consulting Trustee

Roger McClellan – Board Member

Molly McVicker – Board Member

Lisa Pfannenstiel-Garrison – Board Member

Shelly Prichard – Vice Chair

S. Warren Weibert – Board Member

Leadership

Mindy R. Weixelman

Dene Kaster

Garrett Johnson

Lindsey Pannbacker

Meet the staff

Manhattan Office

Cindy Hart

Callie Lehman

Maria Childs

Lori Rogge

Audrey Williams

Allison Poppe

Kyra Frisbie

Rock Springs Ranch Staff

Jared Gleason

Irving Ramirez Vega

Adam Fischer

Brandon Stokesbary

Katelin Calhoun

Amanda Ravenstein

Careers

Our team at the Kansas 4‑H Foundation is small in number, but large in impact. We believe in the Kansas 4‑H Youth Development Program and its ability to empower young people. Our staff works toward fulfilling our mission—bringing Kansas 4‑H together with financial support from the private sector through relationships with corporations, businesses, interest groups and individuals who believe in youth and express this belief through philanthropy.

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