Each month, we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum whose story reflects the program’s lasting impact. This month, we celebrate David and Millie Brabham, two Licking County 4-H alumni whose shared involvement in the program sparked a connection that grew into a lifelong relationship.
David spent 10 years in the National Roaders 4-H Club, completing projects ranging from Microwaving to Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife, and showing ducks and hogs at the county fair. He joined 4-H after watching his older sister participate, and the decision became even easier when he learned his best friend would be in the same club.
Camps played a major role in David’s 4-H experience. County camp, State Conservation Camp, and State Leadership Camp all provided opportunities to meet new people—many of whom became his favorite memories from 4-H, including Millie.
Millie spent 10 years in the Viking Voyagers and Steer Pool 4-H Clubs, completing projects in cooking, sewing, gardening, and beef cattle. She also served in several leadership roles, including club officer, Junior Fair Board member, camp counselor, and Food and Fashion Board member. With a mother who was a 4-H’er and grandparents who served as advisors, joining 4-H felt like a natural step for her. Millie also credits volunteers David and Don Woosley and Roger and Glen Montgomery with shaping her 4-H experience. Their encouragement and guidance helped her grow as a showman and as a leader.
One of Millie’s favorite memories was announcing the beef shows at the fair, an experience that strengthened her public speaking skills and introduced her to industry professionals. Camps—including Licking County 4-H Camp and Sea Camp on Kelley’s Island—helped her build independence, decision‑making skills, and lifelong friendships. Camp was also where she first met David.
Both David and Millie credit 4-H with teaching them skills they still use today, including leadership and public speaking. Millie learned discipline, responsibility, recordkeeping, and how to communicate with a wide range of people—skills she strengthened while working with business owners during the Hartford Fair Livestock Auction. For David, 4-H sparked interests that ultimately shaped his career path.
David’s natural resource projects in 4-H inspired him to pursue a degree in Natural Resource Management from The Ohio State University and become a Registered Forester. He joined Georgia‑Pacific in 2013 and has helped advance sustainable forest sourcing and environmental stewardship. After earning a Masters of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University, he now serves as Senior Director of Customer Engagement, Sustainability, and Stewardship. He credits 4-H with teaching him leadership, communication, lifelong learning, and responsible resource management.
Millie now serves her community as a Family Nurse Practitioner at a free clinic in Atlanta, providing care to patients without medical insurance. She earned her nursing degree from Harding University and her master’s from Georgia College and State University. She credits 4-H with giving her the confidence to communicate effectively with patients, professors, and employers. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a critical care nurse.
Although they now live in Georgia, David and Millie remain connected to Ohio 4-H. Millie continues to support the program from afar, while David has hosted National 4-H Congress delegates at his company’s offices. Both value the opportunity to help young people develop the skills and passion needed to become future leaders.
One of their favorite memories is meeting each other through 4-H. Although they crossed paths for years at camp and on Junior Fair Board, they reconnected during Millie’s final year on Junior Fair Board when David visited the Hartford Fair as a board alum. A conversation at the rough truck contest sparked their relationship. Today, they are approaching 19 years of marriage, raising two teenage sons, and pursuing their careers in Atlanta—along with a dog and a yard full of chickens.
Millie offers this advice to current 4-H members: “Get involved however you can and take advantage of every opportunity.”