Oklahoma 4-H Foundation welcomes Jenkins as new executive director
Friday, May 24, 2019
Milford Jenkins recently has been appointed as the new executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
Jenkins is no stranger to the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program. Growing up as a 4-H member in Ellis County, Jenkins was involved in the beef and sheep project areas. He credits 4-H for instilling in him a lifelong passion not only for the agricultural industry, but also serving others.
“Building relationships, establishing rapport and garnering trust by collaborating with others to achieve and bring about something significantly bigger than ourselves is what I learned as a young 4-H member,” Jenkins said.
An Oklahoma State University graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education, Jenkins brings nearly 30 years of experience in resource development to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
Previously serving as a senior director of development for the OSU Foundation and later the president of the Angus Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate of the American Angus Association, Jenkins possesses a deep understanding of donor relations, nonprofit executive management and cultivating philanthropic support. Most notably, during his tenure as president of the Angus Foundation, Jenkins led the exponential growth of the Angus Foundation’s assets from $1.8 million to $21.4 million.
Jenkins’ extensive professional experience has prepared him for his new role, and he said he aims to work collaboratively with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service professionals, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation board of directors and OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources administration to build upon the success of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
Founded in 1961, the Foundation supports the mission of Oklahoma 4-H by allocating private fund development to support programs, scholarships, awards and activities.
The Foundation annually awards more than $150,000 in scholarships to 4-H members across the state. Additionally, the Foundation provides financial support to Extension educators and 4-H volunteers to implement high-quality youth development programming.
Jenkins said one of his goals as executive director will be creating innovative opportunities for individuals to invest in 4-H youth through the Foundation.
“Fostering relationships with philanthropic individuals, corporations and private foundations in Oklahoma and beyond to expand the culture of generosity to Oklahoma 4-H youth will be a key objective,” he said. “Oklahoma 4-H’s value proposition is immeasurable. My goal is to increase that value by asking others to join us with their charitable support to this noble cause.”
A longstanding champion for Oklahoma 4-H, Jenkins is eager to return the organization that shaped much of who he is today.
“Joining the Oklahoma 4-H team will truly be an honor, both professionally and personally,” he said. “As a product of this esteemed youth development program, I have a keen appreciation and fondness for the program and I know the difference it can make in developing youth’s lives.”
Jenkins assumes his new role as executive director June 1, 2019.
To learn more about the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, visit www.oklahoma4hfoundation.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Young | 4-H Youth Development | 405-744-7960 | kristin.young@okstate.edu