Press Release from Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Galen Grace has joined Alabama 4-H and its fundraising arm, the Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., as development officer responsible for raising donations for the state’s largest youth development organization.

On May 1, 2012, Grace joined 4-H, the youth development component of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

"It is a privilege to be working on behalf of the youth, volunteer leaders and staff of 4-H," Grace said. "I know first-hand the impact 4-H made in my life, and the lives of my family members, and I am honored to do the same with today’s 4-Hers."

Grace’s 4-H roots are strong. Both he and his brothers were active 4-Hers in Walker County, and he has been a longtime volunteer and advocate for 4-H.

"We are pleased someone with Galen’s commitment to 4-H has joined our team," said Lamar Nichols, assistant director for 4-H and Youth Development with ACES. "His knowledge of Extension, Alabama 4-H and the agricultural industry is very important as we work toward our vision for increased funding for Alabama 4-H & Youth Development in partnership with the Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc.

"He has already hit the ground running and we know he will work ‘To Make the Best Better’ for Alabama 4-Hers."

A 1973 Auburn graduate, Grace has had a diverse professional career in the agricultural industry, most recently working for Lee Energy Solutions, an innovative alternative fuel/energy source for large agricultural and commercial buildings. He also has held sales and management positions in poultry, animal health and estate planning for agricultural producers.

He is active in numerous professional organizations including the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Association, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, and the Alabama Feed and Grain Association. Grace has also volunteered in several capacities with agricultural committees with those organizations.

He has been honored by his previous employers for his dedication, as well as by numerous organizations including the Presidential Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the Dean’s Workhorse Award from the AU College of Agriculture and the Honorary State Farmer from the Alabama Future Farmers of America.

Grace and his wife, Becky, have two adult sons and daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Alabama 4-H is the state’s largest youth education organization, reaching more than 84,000 youth between the ages of 9 and 18. There are nearly 1,700 clubs throughout Alabama’s 67 counties. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship and positive character development, and provides programs, competitions, events and activities for youth in rural and urban settings through in-school programs, community clubs and special interest groups. To find out more about Alabama 4-H, go to www.Alabama4H.com.