AMES, Iowa--Barbara Lykins, director of community resources for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, recently became the 25th president of the Iowa 4-H Foundation at a meeting in the Extension 4-H Youth Building on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

 “Barb brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, non-profit management and leadership from her career with Farm Bureau,” said Joe Leisz, the Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director.

Leisz said he is confident that the board will be able to develop a comprehensive strategic plan under Lykins’ leadership to follow last year’s President’s Campaign, which reached its goal of $450,000 under 2004-2005 president Jim Patton. 

Lykins will preside over the 40-member board of trustees that includes Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy through 2006.

Patton and Al Paris, president-elect will serve on the executive committee with Lykins and nine other board members.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation annually raises more than $2.4 million to support the Iowa 4-H youth development programs throughout the state.

For more information visit the Iowa 4-H Foundation Web site:  http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org

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A high resolution photo is available:

Passing of the Iowa 4-H Foundation presidency gavel.jpg