Hardesty, who joined the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees in 2000, is the first university president to chair National 4-H Council or its predecessor organizations in its 102-year history. He will succeed current Trustee Chairman Gary L. Davis of J.C. Penney Co., Inc. in September.

"I look forward to serving with such an outstanding group of committed individuals. The board and staff of National 4-H Council are professionals and experienced volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of young people in our country," Hardesty said.

4-H is a community of young people across America who learn leadership, citizenship and life skills. Young people who participate in university-based 4-H programs in their local communities gain these skills through experience-based activities. National 4-H Council is the private sector partner of the 4-H Youth Development Program and its parent, the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture.

David Hardesty will continue the succession of strong leadership for National 4-H Council, said National 4-H Council President and CEO Donald T. Floyd, Jr. I appreciate his dedication to 4-H and the youth of America. National 4-H Council's Trustees and staff look forward to working with such a talented leader and passionate advocate for youth.

The 4-H Name & Emblem is protected by 18 USC 707.