Welch takes reins as Arkansas 4-H Foundation executive director
By The U of A System Division of Agriculture
Sept. 16, 2016
Fast Facts:
- Retired Farm Bureau executive to serve as 4-H Foundation executive director
- Welch retired as executive vice president of Farm Bureau in 2013
(320 words)
(With file photo at www.flickr.com/photos/uacescomm/13546131273)
LITTLE ROCK – Ewell “Pete” Welch, former Arkansas Farm Bureau executive vice president, will bring his administrative skills to his new position as executive director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation.
The foundation is a non-profit organization that supports not only the educational programs of Arkansas 4-H, but also the operations of the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center. The 4-H Youth Development program is part of the Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“I am honored by this opportunity to not only serve the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, but also the families the foundation serves,” Welch said. “Four-H is actively shaping Arkansas’ future leaders, and to be in a position to work with the volunteers who make up the foundation board in support of 4-H members and programs is a privilege."
Welch spent his professional life in agriculture. He earned a bachelor’s in plant pathology and a minor in agricultural business. He also earned a master’s in agricultural economics -- both degrees coming from the University of Arkansas.
His first job out of school was with the Arkansas Farm Bureau, which hired Welch to be part of its poultry division. He began work there in December 1977 and Welch never looked back, serving at Farm Bureau for 36 years.
In 2002, he interviewed for the position of executive vice president -- a job from which he retired from in 2013.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture honored a long-time advocate of agriculture on Monday, dedicating a boardroom to Welch in 2014.
"We are thrilled to have Ewell aboard," said Rick Cartwright, interim director of the Cooperative Extension Service. "His professionalism, experience and knowledge of the state and our 4H programs make him a perfect fit for the foundation."
For more information about the Cooperative Extension Service and its programs, contact your county extension office or visit our newly renovated site, www.uaex.uada.edu.
Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
mhightower@uada.edu