About the 4-H Canada Board of Directors
4-H Canada is governed by a national volunteer board that oversees and works alongside stakeholders to set 4-H Canada’s overarching strategic direction for the 4-H movement in Canada.
The board is elected by and is accountable to 4-H Canada’s Governing Members – individuals aged 18+ and organizations dedicated to the strategic advancement of the 4-H movement.
Meet the Directors
Robert Larsen
CHAIR, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
For over a decade, Robert, a proud Albany Centennial 4-H Club alum, has been involved in board governance within: all four levels of 4-H, his rural community, and the P.E.I. agriculture industry. As a 4-H leader, he is passionate about empowering 4-H youth to take a seat at the table to effect positive change in the world around them. Robert holds a BSc. in agricultural business and farms alongside his family on their beef cattle feedlot and agri-services operation, Norring Road Custom.
Tyler McCann
VICE-CHAIR, QUEBEC
Tyler’s lifelong commitment to agriculture and food is exemplified through his career in agriculture policy, increasingly senior roles in and out of government, and as the owner-operator of a family farm business. A passionate 4-H supporter, Tyler is an alum who was part of the inaugural 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee. He went on to become a 4-H club leader, as well as a former director and president of 4-H Quebec.
David Hansen
PAST CHAIR, MANITOBA
With over 47 years in the agriculture industry (10 in grains, two in crop nutrition, and 35 in the seed and biosciences sector), and over six years of international business experience, David brings his wealth of experience to our board of directors. Outside of his work and volunteer hours, David enjoys spending time at the cottage with his wife, his two daughters and five grandchildren. Occasionally, you can find him golfing when time allows.
Neleah Lavoie
DIRECTOR, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Neleah has been a proud 4-H'er for 11 years with the Cavendish 4-H club in Prince Edward Island. Neleah is a three time 4-H Canada Science Fair winner and was the 2023 L.E.A.D. Science & Technology Scholarship Recipient. Neleah is currently studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University, where she is combining her two passions: science and leadership. In her spare time, Neleah enjoys running, playing soccer and travelling.
Danielle Chu
DIRECTOR, ONTARIO
A member of 4-H Canada's Board of Directors, Danielle is based in Toronto practicing Competition/Anti-trust, Foreign Investment and International Trade Law. Danielle attended law school at the University of Alberta and practiced for many years in Calgary with a focus on the natural resources, energy, and mining sectors. Danielle first discovered 4-H during her time in Alberta, and she continues to be inspired by 4-H's values, history, community, and remarkable members and leaders!
Fawn Jackson
DIRECTOR, ONTARIO
A proud 4-H alum from Manitoba, Fawn is a leading voice in Canadian agriculture. As the Chief Sustainability Officer with Dairy Farmers of Canada, Fawn leads the research, sustainability, and on-farm programs teams. In addition to agriculture, Fawn is passionate about the environment and mentorship and is proud to currently be serving as a board member with Ducks Unlimited Canada and 4-H Canada. In her spare time, you'll find Fawn on the farm in Manitoba or on an outdoor adventure.
Shelley Jones
DIRECTOR, SASKATCHEWAN
A 4-H alum from Saskatchewan, Shelley is passionate about agriculture, youth leadership, and community engagement. In her nearly 40-year career in agriculture, she is particularly proud of her involvement in the development of Saskatchewan’s first Agriculture Awareness Strategy. She credits her passion for volunteerism and public speaking to the programming of 4-H where those values and skills were developed. In her free time, you can find Shelley playing slo-pitch, golf, and hiking.
Amy McConchie
DIRECTOR, NEW BRUNSWICK
Amy has been involved in 4-H since she was 7 years old. She participated in the Youth Advisory Committee, sat on the board as the youth representative, and has attended numerous national conferences and events. As a 4-H member, she used her experiences to complete her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's award challenge. Amy is currently a volunteer leader with her home club, Triangle 4-H in New Brunswick. She received a Bachelor of Applied Arts from the University of New Brunswick and currently works as a Graphic Designer. In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with her dog and family and working with her fiancé on building their own farm and business.
Bev Jones
DIRECTOR, ALBERTA
Bev is a fifth-generation 4-Her who believes in the value 4-H brings to youth and community. Bev has been a founding member, active member, and leader in 4-H Alberta. She has also been active in farming with her husband, and has experience in technology, marketing, and volunteer management while at the same time raising her children. With 50 years of ag business experience, most recently contributing to the Canada Seed sector, Bev values the relationships she has built across the country and around the globe. Bev enjoys spending time with friends, family and grandchildren as well as travelling and cycling.
Mila MacLean
DIRECTOR, NOVA SCOTIA
Mila MacLean excels in empowering operational capacity and leading with purpose. Her methodical, solutions-oriented mindset has driven significant progress in 4-H Nova Scotia, and she looks forward to approaching the ongoing progress with the Canadian 4-H Council. Mila's deep knowledge of 4-H spans generations, and her commitment to grassroots values makes her an asset to the program. She holds Bachelor's degrees in Industrial Engineering and Agriculture and is currently Director of Aircraft Production at IMP Aerospace.
Youth Advisory Committee representatives on the Board of Directors
Katie MacNeil
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD
Being a 4-H'er for 10 years with the St. Joseph’s 4-H club in Nova Scotia, Katie is a first-year representative of the Health Society at St. FX, where she is also a Research Assistant researching small farm issues. Katie is a former Regional 4-H Ambassador for 4-H Nova Scotia and is currently the President of her 4-H club. In her spare time, Katie enjoys both playing and coaching volleyball and basketball, and frequently volunteers with Special Olympics and L'Arche Antigonish.
Austin Olson
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD
Austin has been a member of the Tisdale 4-H Beef Club for 12 years. Pursuing his goal to become a Journeymen Agriculture Equipment Technician, he currently works as a John Deere Service Technician with Brandt Agriculture. Outside of 4-H he enjoys curling, camping, and summer road trips. While no longer a player, his passion for volleyball continues as he referees on the weekends. Austin also works on a mixed cattle and grain operation, running equipment in the spring and cattle in fall.