/ ECS / Norman A. Brown
“4-H gave me considerable experience and skills in public speaking and leadership.”
Norman A. Brown has dedicated his professional and personal life to ensuring young people throughout the world have significant and meaningful opportunities to grow, develop and succeed. He began his career in the Far East working as a rural youth specialist for the U.S. Department of State. After returning to the United States, he was a vocational agriculture teacher in Bath before joining the Michigan Cooperative Extension Service. His career included serving as a county 4-H youth agent, an MSU professor and the state 4-H program director. After four years as dean and director of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, he joined the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where he became internationally recognized as a benefactor of programs and opportunities that fostered the positive development of young people. Brown retired from the Kellogg Foundation in 1991 and continues his leadership in nonprofit management and development as founder, president and CEO of the Partners of Americas and Norm Brown and Associates nonprofit consulting firm. He has a lifelong commitment to service to many nonprofits and for-profit organizations where he has been member, trustee, officer, president, founder and chairman. It’s no surprise that the elder President George Bush sought his leadership in developing the Points of Light initiative and growing its foundation, where he is a trustee and chairman of its board. In memoriam Sept. 25, 2012.
Becoming confident isn’t easy, but because of the positive, helpful, and encouraging people in 4-H, anything’s possible.
— Lorelai Kowalski, Oakland County
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he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!