The Indiana 4-H Foundation announces the hire of a new executive director with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector.

Elizabeth Ellis from Noblesville, Ind., is a 10-year 4-H alum and brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit management experience to the foundation.

“I love 4-H and have a great understanding of the programs and opportunities available for youth in Indiana,” Ellis said. “I look forward to growing the 4-H Foundation to better serve the great programs scholarships offered by the Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program.”

“We are excited for Ms. Ellis to begin her new role,” said board president Christy Denault. “Her experience with all aspects of nonprofit work will be a valuable asset as we continue to build on the Foundation’s tremendous growth.”

Ellis also will serve as the 4-H Resource Development Officer for Purdue University. Dr. Charles Hibberd, director of Purdue Extension, expressed enthusiasm over the hire.

“I am very pleased Liz Ellis has chosen to help us generate critical financial support for 4-H Youth Development,” said Hibberd. “Our exciting educational programs reach almost 200,000 Indiana youth each year. Liz is a remarkable talent and will bring exciting new ideas and energy to the dual role.”

While her tenure will not begin until after State Fair festivities have ended, Ellis will attend the Indiana 4-H Foundation events over the next couple of weekends to meet some of the Foundation’s most dedicated supporters.

The Indiana 4-H Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization that develops financial resources to further the mission of Indiana 4-H Youth Development programs to provide education opportunities to young people. Last year, the Foundation reached $1.1 million in assets, up from $250,000 four years ago.

Ellis will be charged with continuing that momentum through a variety of channels that include grant proposals, major gift solicitation, corporate partnerships and annual fund donations. A few notable grants received by the Foundation in recent years include a $204,000 Lilly Endowment grant to build Foundation capacity as well as increase the number of science trained Extension staff and volunteers, two grants totaling $246,000 from the Walmart Foundation to create a weekend backpack program for school children who may live in situations of hunger, and a $20,000 Pioneer Community Giving Grant to create new 4-H science clubs across the state.