AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa 4-H Foundation will be under the leadership of a new director, beginning this summer.

Joseph Leisz begins work on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus in Ames on July 6. He replaces former director Florine Swanson, who retired in June, following an 18-year career.

Leisz brings 10 years of 4-H experience to his new post, most recently serving as the executive director of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation.

"We are particularly impressed with Joe's experience with 4-H, his energy and his ideas," Jim Patton, president of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, said. "He also is highly regarded by his fellow foundation colleagues across the country and by donors in Arizona."

Leisz led the Arizona 4-H fundraising campaign that surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2004.

He holds membership in several professional organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the National Ag Alumni and Development Association and the National 4-H Foundation and Trustees Workshop Planning Committee.

Leisz graduated from the University of Arizona with a major in history and a minor in near Eastern studies.

"I'm looking forward to working with the thousands of people who support Iowa 4-H on a regular basis and make the program as strong as it is," said Leisz.

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