Barry County 4-H’’er Keith Ferris , a 1969 International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) delegate to New Zealand, continues to keep 4-H close and currently serves as director for the National IFYE Foundation Board. Ferris continues to give back to his local community as well. He has been a member of the Rutland Township planning and zoning commission for three years, a Barry County Commissioner for two years and is a member of the BIRCH Fire Board. He was appointed director of the Barry County Historic Charlton Park and when the park was struggling to stay open, led a successful campaign for a county-wide millage to provide an ongoing source of funding for the park. Ferris has also volunteered a number of years for the Barry County Relay of Life and was instrumental in securing funding and a local match for a DNR grant to beautify and make MeKeown Bridge Park in Barry County wheelchair accessible. Additionally, he and his wife, Pam, created a memorial fund at Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio donating annually to the education of the students. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in marketing and sales from Ferris State University, Ferris began a 28-year career with Ryder Transportation Services. During that time he was a successful commercial rental manager, national trainer and branch manager in two locations. Ferris was selected by Ryder to advise a consulting firm in developing a staffing model which determined staffing requirements for 600 company locations nationwide. He was inducted into the Ryder company’s elite management group, Rental Masters, for his outstanding performance. He was honored with the Best Area Department Award for his achievements and was recently appointed by Governor Snyder to the Michigan Truck Safety Commission.