Written by Campbell Reese, Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council Officer
The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) recently hosted an engaging and impactful Speed Networking meeting designed to connect members with accomplished professionals from across Ohio. The room was filled with energy, confidence, and meaningful conversation as teens rotated through small-group discussions with 12 leaders representing a wide range of professional industries.
Each TLC member practiced professional introductions, asked thoughtful questions, and explored potential career pathways. Conversations focused on leadership growth, education and training, overcoming challenges, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. The experience provided real-world exposure while strengthening communication and networking skills.
Campbell Reese of Geauga County, who serves as Vice President of Leadership for TLC, helped bring this vision to life as part of her goal to elevate programming and new activities this year.
“I really wanted to focus on programming that would genuinely interest our members and push us outside of our comfort zones,” Reese shared. “Speed networking gave us the chance to practice real conversations with professionals who are doing incredible work across Ohio. That kind of experience makes our program more impactful because it connects leadership development to real careers and real opportunities.”
We are grateful to the professionals who generously invested their time and shared their journeys:
• Adam Sharp – Executive Director, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
• Bill Patterson – President, Patterson Fruit Farm, President of Ohio Farm Bureau
• Bryan Wilson – Owner, Hudson’s Edge Catering & Events
• Dr. Kameron Rinehart – Assistant Professor of Leadership, Austin Peay State University, Tennessee, and Small Business Owner
• Dr. Tracy Kitchel – Senior Associate Dean and Director of Faculty and Staff Affairs, CFAES, The Ohio State University
• Elizabeth Duncan – Associate Vice President, Agriculture Sponsor and Strategic Relationships, Nationwide Insurance
• Jennifer Coleman – Director of Communications, The Directions Group
• Joel Oney – President, Ohio 4-H Foundation; Owner, J Money LLC
• Matthew Edgington – Nurse/ Director of Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
• Mark Berven – Chair, National 4-H Council, President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty
• Ren Hopkins – Ohio 4-H Foundation Associate
• Ryan Matthews – Director, Communications and Media Relations, Ohio Farm Bureau
The breadth of experience represented by the professionals, from agriculture and education to healthcare, nonprofit leadership, hospitality, finance, and corporate business, provided members with a well-rounded look at career possibilities.
“This event gave our members the confidence to see themselves in these careers,” said TLC President Evelyn Hill. “The professionals didn’t just share what they do, they shared how they got there, and that made all the difference.”
A special thank you to Hudson’s Edge Catering & Events, a continued supporter of Ohio 4-H and the Teen Leadership Council, for providing an outstanding lunch. The delicious meal created the perfect setting for teens and professionals to continue networking, deepen conversations, and build lasting connections beyond the structured rotations.
This meaningful programming is made possible through the continued support of the Ohio 4-H Foundation. We extend sincere appreciation to the generous donors across the state whose investment ensures Ohio 4-H teens have access to high-quality leadership development opportunities like this one. Their commitment directly impacts the growth, confidence, and future success of our members.
About Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council
The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council is a statewide group of teen leaders who represent the voice of Ohio 4-H. Members collaborate to plan events, lead service initiatives, and strengthen communication between youth and adults at the state level. Through intentional leadership development, networking, and service opportunities, TLC equips teens with the skills and confidence to lead in their communities today and in their careers tomorrow.