The Canadian 4-H Foundation was established in 1969 and is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. The Foundation is made up of knowledgeable, experienced and responsible individuals who are committed to maintaining the longevity and sustainability of 4-H Canada. By overseeing and managing 4-H Canada’s endowment funds in a responsible, ethical and intelligent manner, the Canadian 4-H Foundation helps make it possible for 4-H Canada to create and maintain leading-edge national programs and events.
Meet the Trustees
Todd Klink, Saskatchewan
Chair, Canadian 4-H Foundation
Todd was raised on a mixed farm in southwestern Saskatchewan where he was a member of 4-H for several years. After graduating from university, Todd began working in agriculture and has been in the industry ever since. Todd joined Farm Credit Canada in 2003 and is currently Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer. Todd and his wife Kathryn have two teenaged children and live in Regina, SK.
Stefanie Peters, Ontario
Past Chair
Stefanie is a big believer in the power of youth leadership development programs. Since 2015, Stefanie has been a trustee of the Canadian 4-H Foundation, helping Canada’s youth get the most out of the 4-H program. In addition to her work with 4-H, Stefanie supports young leaders by serving on the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College alumni organizations. Stefanie is a proud 4-H alumnus from the Middlesex County 4-H Association in Ontario. In her daily life, Stefanie leads marketing for Delta Power Equipment, one of Eastern Canada’s largest farm equipment dealerships located near London, Ontario.
Brad Adams, Ontario
Trustee
Brad joined Semex in 2009 after almost 20 years of leadership in the Canadian feed and livestock industry. In his current position as Semex’s Global Training Manager, Brad has the opportunity to develop talent and work to maximize the skills of Semex’s Global sales teams. From his first 4-H Crops Club through to numerous camps and conferences, Brad attributes much of his success in business and in life to those many years in 4-H. The father of four, Brad and his wife Heather spend their time on the family farm in beautiful Brant County, ON.
Ben Graham, Alberta
Trustee
Ben Graham is a country boy at heart. He comes by it honestly — his family has farmed the same land for over a century. Ben is passionate about agriculture and especially 4-H. As a second generation 4-H’er he was a member of the Vulcan West 4-H Beef club and transitioned to the Champion 4-H Beef club for 10 years. During that time he attended numerous regional, national and international 4-H events and conferences. Ben was named to the Alberta Premier’s Award group where he travelled the province as an ambassador for 4-H. Today, Ben is proud to be a trustee of the Canadian 4-H Foundation Board and is currently President of AdFarm – Canada’s largest agriculturally focused communications agency.
Gene Fraser, Manitoba
Trustee
Arron Madson, Alberta
Trustee
Arron grew up on a ranch in central Alberta and was a member of the Sundre 4-H Beef club for nine years. He continued his involvement with 4-H as a member of the Calgary Regional 4-H Alumni, working for the 4-H Branch of Alberta Agriculture for 10 years, and spent nine years as a Director on the 4-H Foundation of Alberta. The next stage of Arron’s career saw him spend 10 years in the advertising agency world, handling agriculture and consumer good products across North America. This included sitting on a global branding team out of the UK for a client. Currently, Arron is the President of AgCall, an agriculture sales and marketing project management firm operating in both Canada and the U.S. Arron and his wife Jeanette have three kids and reside in Cochrane, Alberta.
Ryan Riese, Alberta
Trustee
Growing up on a farm in Manitoba, Ryan’s passion for agriculture started early in life. He has since dedicated much of his career to the industry, and his diverse work experience across various roles and industries in both mid-size and large agribusiness organizations has provided him a unique opportunity to have exposure to different types of farms across the country and beyond. Since 2018, Ryan has been the National Director, Agriculture with RBC and currently resides in Calgary with his wife Betina.
Carlie Whetter, Manitoba
Chair, 4-H Canada Board of Directors
Carlie was raised on a mixed farm in southwestern Manitoba. She was a member of the Kenton Kraftsmen 4-H Club, and a Manitoba 4-H Ambassador as an alumni. Now, as the progressive and innovative head leader of the Alexander 4-H Club, a large multipurpose club, she has adapted and flexed programming to meet the needs of over 40 club members. Carlie has been active in zone, area and provincial associations, most recently as president of Manitoba 4-H Council with her term ending November 2018. Carlie and her husband Darren have 3 kids, all involved in 4-H, and operate a grain farm growing certified seed. Carlie also works part-time as a consultant for a real estate company.
Bianca von Nagy, Alberta
Provincial Advisor
Bianca resides in Calgary, Alberta and has been with 4-H Alberta since January 2017. Currently the Director of Business Development at 4-H Alberta, she had the opportunity to develop a vast range of fund development, fundraising, and donor relations skills throughout her 12-year career in the charitable and non-profit sector. While Bianca is not a 4-H alum herself, she is a passionate supporter of youth and youth development and is proud to contribute to the Canadian 4-H Foundation as the current Provincial Advisor.