For nearly 50 years, Judith (Judy) Paulsen has been a key member of the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) staff. Beginning in 1978 as a special education typist, she has advanced over the years to roles of assistant coordinator of special education and assistant director of special education. Since 2000, she has served as executive assistant to the superintendent and community relations supervisor, where she works directly with superintendents, local officials and members of the public. Through this role, Paulsen has worked to build and maintain a thriving partnership between LESA and Livingston County 4-H.
Paulsen’s 4-H journey began as a Cass County 4-H member, where she participated in sewing and cooking projects and exhibited her work through Spring Achievement and county fairs. Inspired by the confidence and sense of belonging she found in 4-H, she continued her involvement as an adult and has now dedicated 45 years as a Livingston County 4-H volunteer, serving as a project and administrative club leader. Paulsen has also served on the Livingston County 4-H Council, becoming the county’s first female president.
Paulsen’s heart for service extends beyond her commitment to 4-H. She has given her time as a member of the United Way Day of Caring Committee, Hartland Community Council and as a teacher for Sunday school and vacation bible school. Paulsen helped to establish the Hartland Farmers’ Market and has been instrumental in LESA’s Backpacks for Kids campaign, which has collected and distributed more than 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for Livingston County families over the past 10 years.
A graduate of Bethel College, Paulsen has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 Governor’s Service Award for Volunteer of the Year and the 2012 Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award from the Livingston County United Way.
