Jenna Keene is youth outreach coordinator in Clay County

Jenna Keene is the new Clay County Youth Outreach Coordinator for Iowa State University and Extension. She started in her position Jan. 10.

In her role, Keene will focus on programs designed to increase hands-on learning opportunities for youth.

"I will be focusing on developing and presenting new workshops, camps and events for youth in Clay County, as well as partnering with local teachers, businesses and community leaders to provide new opportunities for youth throughout the area," Keene said in a news release. "My outreach role will also be coupled with a focus on all things non-livestock, such as 4-H communications events, 4-H clothing events and 4-H static projects at the Clay County Fair."

Originally from Hartley, Keene is the daughter of Dave and Kris Keene and graduated from Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School. She holds a bachelor's degree in History from the University of Northern Iowa and her master's degree in Secondary Education from Creighton University. Keene has previously managed a bakery in Omaha, Neb. for six years, taught middle school Social Studies and English in Bellevue, Neb., taught high school Social Studies in Colorado Springs, Colo., and most recently served as the ISU Extension and Outreach County Youth Coordinator in Sioux County.

Keene and her fiancé live and farm in rural Clay County so when the opportunity to serve youth in Clay County arose, she was excited to pursue a career closer to home.

"As a lifelong 4-H member and third generation ISU Extension and Outreach youth staff member – both my grandmother and my mom have served in youth staff roles with 4-H – my love for these programs runs deep," Keene said. "I can't wait to work with the families and youth of Clay County."

Keene joins current ISU Extension and Outreach Clay County staff members Michele Hogrefe, Office Manager; Isabel Dehrkoop, County Youth Coordinator; Sarah Dirks, Adult Program Coordinator; and Kelli Ireland, Office Assistant.

To congratulate Keene and welcome her to Clay County, stop into the office at 110 West 4th Street, Suite 100, in Spencer, call (712) 262-2264 or email her at [email protected].