Ostrem and Tilley represent Hamilton County on Iowa State 4-H Council
New Term begins for 2026-2027 4-H Council
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AMES, Iowa -- Thirty Iowa youth are beginning their terms as members of the 2026-2027 Iowa State 4-H Council following their induction during the closing ceremonies of the 2026 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference held at Iowa State University.
Representing communities across Iowa, these young leaders will serve as ambassadors for Iowa 4-H while helping shape programs, events and opportunities for youth across the state.
“The Iowa State 4-H Council provides young people with meaningful opportunities to lead, collaborate and make a difference,” said Megan Carlson, 4-H youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. "Through their service, council members help ensure that Iowa 4-H remains relevant, responsive and driven by youth voice."
Council members were selected through a competitive application and interview process designed to identify youth with strong leadership potential, communication skills and a commitment to serving others. During their year of service, members participate in leadership development experiences, connect with peers from across Iowa and contribute to initiatives that strengthen the 4-H program.
Council members say they are eager to expand the reach of Iowa 4-H and help more young people discover growth opportunities. “I hope the 2026-2027 State 4-H Council will impact 4-H’ers from across the state,” said Ella Tasler of Greene County. "4-H is such a great opportunity to be a part of, and I want everyone to have as great of an experience as I have had."
One of the council’s primary responsibilities is helping plan and facilitate the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. Members also support activities at the Iowa State Fair, promote statewide leadership opportunities and serve as ambassadors in their home counties and surrounding communities.
Brynn Ostrem of Hamilton County said she is especially excited about helping plan the next Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and ensuring youth voices are heard. "I am most excited to accomplish the planning and execution of the 2027 State 4-H Conference, and I hope to have an impact on Iowa 4-H youth by helping them get their voices heard about changes or improvements to local county and state 4-H events."
In addition, council members serve on committees focusing on youth voice, philanthropy, service and outreach. Through these experiences, members collaborate with Iowa 4-H staff and partners, provide input on programs and initiatives, lead service-learning efforts and help foster connections among young people across the state.
For Chloe Rickertsen of Scott County, outreach and awareness are key goals. “This year I’m hoping to spread more awareness about all the fulfilling activities you can participate in through 4-H at the county and state levels,” she said. Rickertsen and fellow ambassadors are already developing presentations to help young people learn about opportunities and become more involved in 4-H.
Council members also help promote the annual 4-H’ers for 4-H campaign, a youth-led effort that supports Iowa 4-H programs and opportunities, including enrollment assistance, camps, conferences and statewide leadership experiences. Participation in the campaign helps members better understand the impact of philanthropy and the importance of investing in future generations of 4-H youth.
As representatives of Iowa 4-H, council members share their experiences through local events, workshops, fairs and leadership activities that encourage youth engagement and strengthen connections between local and statewide programs.
Addison Thomas of Story County said sharing personal experiences can help inspire younger members to become involved. “There are many ways to be a leader and make an impact in your community through 4-H,” Thomas said. "By sharing my story with other 4-H’ers, I am able to show them that there are opportunities to impact, serve and lead on a larger scale."
The experience helps members build skills in leadership, communication, professionalism, teamwork and civic engagement while preparing them to be Beyond Ready for college, careers and life.
For many council members, the experience is also an opportunity for personal growth. Luci Kucera of Jasper County said she hopes to strengthen her leadership and public speaking skills while serving as a role model for younger members. “I am able to help other 4-H’ers gain skills that are going to be beneficial for the rest of their lives,” she said. Kucera added that serving on the council allows her to demonstrate what 4-H has to offer and how young people can make a difference in their communities while pursuing their own educational goals and passions.
Hailey Stein of Palo Alto County credits 4-H with helping her discover new interests and build confidence. “4-H has given me the opportunity to grow in ways I would have never expected,” she said. “From building public speaking and leadership skills to discovering passions through projects and community service work, I cannot give 4-H enough credit for how much it has benefited me as a person.” As a council member, Stein said she is excited to connect with youth from across Iowa, learn from their experiences and help create an environment where every 4-H member feels welcome to experiment and learn. She also hopes to inspire younger members to step outside their comfort zones and take advantage of the many opportunities available through 4-H, noting that "sometimes the most rewarding experiences begin with simply trying something new."
“State 4-H Council gives young people the chance to learn by doing, lead alongside their peers and create positive change in their communities,” said Erica Holliday, 4-H youth program specialist. “These experiences help youth build the confidence and skills they need to succeed today and into the future.”
Kate Dau of O’Brien County said serving on the council combines several of her passions, including leadership, learning, youth development and agriculture. She looks forward to helping inspire youth and adults alike to become more involved in Iowa 4-H and believes "a little kindness can really go a long way."
Throughout the year, council members attend multiple retreats to develop innovative ideas, strengthen connections with Iowa youth and help expand opportunities for current and future 4-H members.
The State 4-H Council members represent all parts of Iowa. They work to give back to their communities and help 4-H Youth Development best serve the youth of Iowa.
• Council members from southwest Iowa: Paul Kading, Adair County; Weston Bogue, Carroll County; Ella Tasler, Greene County; Paisley Lautner, Greene County; Cayden Schafer, Harrison County; and Lillian Niklasen, Shelby County.
• Council members from southeast Iowa: Addison Drew, Appanoose County; Mackenna Craig, Johnson County; Samantha Wunderlich, Johnson County; Eli Lambertsen, Jones County; and Chloe Rickertsen, Scott County.
• Council members from northwest Iowa: Hadley Moore, Emmet County; Brynn Ostrem, Hamilton County; Samantha Tilley, Hamilton County; Kate Dau, O’Brien County; Hailey Stein, Palo Alto County; and Gracie Nelson, Woodbury County.
• Council members from northeast Iowa: Ethan Swizdor, Allamakee County; Trent Schullo, Allamakee County; James Elsamiller, Bremer County; Anders Wicklund, Winneshiek County; Adam Schmitt, Winneshiek County; and Adylyn Petersen, Worth County.
• Council members from central Iowa: Adam Baker, Boone County; Clara Fulton, Boone County; Morgan Christensen, Boone County; Luci Kucera, Jasper County; Denali Coffman, Madison County; Gracie Kaufman, Poweshiek County; and Addison Thomas, Story County.
For those interested in applying for the State 4-H Council, the State 4-H Recognition Day application will open on Jan. 1, 2027, and close at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 1. For more information on the State 4-H Council, please visit the Iowa 4-H State Council webpage or email st4hcounciladvisors@iastate.edu.