Melvin Thompson is a consultant for youth development and youth training programs for Horizons International. Previously, he was director of 4-H international programs for the National 4-H Council, where he initiated new international programs with more than 20 countries and coordinated alumni relations and support services for the International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Association of the USA. Other positions held are overseas representative for World Learning, state 4-H program leader and 4-H youth agent for Michigan State University Extension, and field representative and recruiting coordinator for the U.S. Peace Corps. Thompson is also vice president of Services for Special People and Helping Hands at Home, L.L.C., a family business founded by his wife, Linda, which provides home health care and personal services for the elderly and others with special needs. He is a board member of the International Home Economics Services and the Washington Pastoral Counseling Service and a member of the National Task Force on 4-H International Programs; Phi Delta Kappa, a national education fraternity; and the MSU Alumni Association. He served two terms as president of the IFYE Association of the USA, most recently from 2001 to 2003, and has served as the editor of the IFYE Association’s “IFYE News” since 1998. Thompson is also active in the United Methodist Church, having held local, district and conference responsibilities, and, he currently serves on the Work Area on Outreach committee for missions and social concerns.