Wagner named O'Brien County Youth Coordinator

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is excited to announce that Michele Wagner is the new O'Brien County Youth Coordinator. Wagner stepped into the role in early August and serves as primary contact and facilitator of Iowa 4-H programs in O'Brien County.

Having served as the agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School for the past nine years, Wagner is no stranger to O'Brien County, the 4-H program, local youth and families, or the county fair. She looks forward to pivoting her career in this new role which allows her to continue impacting and educating youth and working with adult volunteers in and around O'Brien County.

"I was interested in the O'Brien County Youth Coordinator position because of the variety of opportunities that are a part of the job, especially working with all age groups from youth to adults," Wagner said in a news release. "I'm most excited to build stronger connections with 4-H families in the county and to help continue the strong 4-H organization in O'Brien County. I look forward to helping youth continue to find their passion in 4-H, where there is a niche for everyone."

Wagner lives in Hartley with her husband, Scott, and three sons, Jack, Charlie and Wilson. She holds a degree in Agricultural Education and minor in Animal Science from South Dakota State University. Wagner continues to coach high school volleyball at H-M-S and is certified in several CASE (Curriculum in Agriculture Sciences) courses.

Wagner joins local coworkers Marsha Rehder, Office Assistant and Ag Program Coordinator; Kate Stewart, K-12 Program Coordinator; and Kiley Biedenfeld, Multi-County Marketing Coordinator.

Wagner can be contacted at the Extension Office located at 340 2nd Street SE in Primghar, by calling (712) 957-5045 or emailing [email protected].