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BOISE, IDAHO – Retired Gates County Cooperative Extension Director Reba Green-Holley was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame here last month for her lifetime achievement and contributions to the organization.

Honored by NAE4-HYD, Green-Holley was one of 15 inducted during the ceremony at the Boise Centre, Boise, ID.

The honorees were each presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque, and memory book during the ceremony.

“We are proud to honor and recognize the outstanding individuals who are the Class of 2024 Laureates for the National 4-H Hall of Fame. These individuals have touched the lives of many people, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the nation,” said Pamela Van Horn, chair of the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Green-Holley has been a trailblazer in citizenship, leadership, career accomplishment, and character throughout her distinguished career. Commencing her journey with the Gates County Cooperative Extension in 1981, Green-Holley’s dedication and commitment led to her appointment as the Gates County Extension Director in 1995. In this role, she achieved the historic milestone of being the first African American female to hold such a pivotal position in a county deeply rooted in agriculture.

Green-Holley was masterful in acquiring multiple significant contracts and grants for youth and family development programs addressing critical issues affecting citizens in low-wealth communities. She brought in millions of dollars to be utilized for the betterment of Gates County. She developed and administered research-based prevention and intervention programs that effectively impacted citizens for whom other resources were unavailable. She was and continues to be a vital citizen leader, innovator, and mentor in her community.

“As a County Extension Director and 4-H Agent, my goal was to mobilize resources and design programs that would enhance opportunities and elevate the quality of life for both the county and its youth,” Green-Holley stated, reflecting on her career.

Her visionary leadership empowered the youth, who have since blossomed into accomplished professionals and community members. Their success is a testament to the lasting impact of the programs Green-Holley pioneered. Eleven 4-H’ers went on to be county extension agents or program assistants and twelve were camp counselors.

The inaugural guide dog initiative was introduced to the county under her leadership and managed by Denice Miller, 4-H Program Assistant, marking the first program of its kind.

Green-Holley led the efforts to be the initial agency within the county to secure funding from the United Way. She pioneered the creation of the first web design pages for the county government in collaboration with 4-H’ers. She also launched a design contest for the Gates County seal. The county government adopted the Purchase Order process initially developed for its operations.

She successfully enlisted Reid’s Grove Rosenwald School in the National Register, drawing the attention of commissioners for potential historical rehabilitation efforts.

She was an early pioneer of AmeriCorps which placed youth volunteers in her county program and was also instrumental in helping with the State 4-H Program’s Performing Arts Troupe for many years.

During her tenure, Green-Holley expanded the Gates County office’s outreach into the community, securing additional support for Extension. She played a crucial role in training numerous future extension agents and generously shared her knowledge with offices across the Northeast District and the state.

Through her grantsmanship skills, she garnered millions of dollars for the Gates County 4-H Program and created jobs. Furthermore, she spearheaded fundraising initiatives for endowments that continue to support Gates County programs indefinitely.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Green-Holley actively contributed to community development, serving on various boards and committees, including the Roanoke-Chowan Foundation, Albemarle Foundation, Community Benefits Board, First Citizens Bank Board, State E-NC Board, Roanoke-Chowan Partners for Progress, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and organizing the American’s most prominent HBCU Land Grant Institution – North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Cheer Association.

In a transformative interview in 2013, Green-Holley highlighted the challenges she faced in breaking through traditional barriers within the agricultural landscape dominated by white males. Undeterred, she emphasized the broader scope of Cooperative Extension work, encompassing Family Consumer Science, 4-H and Youth Development, and Community Resource Development. Her leadership reshaped perceptions and fostered inclusivity in an evolving agricultural community.

A Greensboro native, Green-Holley earned her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and her master’s from UNC Greensboro. Alongside her husband, Guy, she has called Gates County home for many years, raising two accomplished sons, Armond and Tovaris both of whom are in North Carolina’s prestigious 4-H Honor Club.

Green-Holley has left an indelible mark on Gates County’s legacy through her unwavering commitment to citizenship, leadership, career accomplishment, and character.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame laureates are nominated by their home states, National 4-H Council, the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, or 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) – USDA based upon their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

More information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame event and past recipients, visit http://www.4-h-hof.com/