Veteran 4-H Leader Alexa Maille to Guide NYS 4-H Into the Future

Veteran 4-H Leader Alexa Maille to Guide NYS 4-H Into the Future

After a national search, Alexa Maille ’04 was appointed director of the New York State 4-H Youth Development Program. Maille has held key leadership roles with NYS 4-H, serving as STEM Specialist since 2014 and interim director since January 2024. NYS 4-H is the youth development program for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and is in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR).

“I’m excited for Alexa to launch this next chapter for NYS 4-H,” said Kristen Elmore, associate director of the BCTR. “She is a steadfast champion for 4-H youth, and her consistent focus on their needs, strengths, and voice makes me hopeful for the future of extension’s youth development work in New York.”

In her previous roles, Maille significantly expanded 4-H STEM offerings; coordinated and enhanced the annual 4-H Career Explorations program and provided key leadership for implementing the Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development with local 4-H educators and the National 4-H Council. Maille is also a critical issue lead for extension programming in the areas of youth and families, supporting programs dedicated to human development and well-being for children, youth, elders and their families. She also helped secure funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to embark on a statewide strategic visioning process to ensure NYS 4-H meets youth needs across the state, especially when funding for programs like NYS 4-H is vulnerable.

“The world is changing around us, but we rely on the enduring impact of our shared purpose – working in partnership with each other and youth so all youth have the opportunity to realize their full potential,” said Maille. “I’m grateful for and inspired by our 4-H community and look forward to leveraging our strengths to meet the challenges of tomorrow together.”

Maille began her 4-H experience as a youth member of CCE Clinton County’s 4-H program, later serving as a 4-H professional for several CCE associations across the state. Maille then returned to CCE Clinton County to lead its 4-H and nutrition programming.

“Alexa comes to this role at a critical time for 4-H and CCE as we build on a legacy of impact and program excellence and respond to rapidly shifting changes in what youth in our communities need,” said Andrew Turner ’88, M.P.S. ’93, director of CCE. “I’m eager to work with Alexa and all members of our dynamic extension team from across the state to ensure New York State’s 4-H programs and priorities will prepare youth to thrive in a challenging world.”

Photo Credit: Ryan Issa