Alyssa Walden named acting state 4-H leader as Jeremy Johnson takes national 4-H role
Walden, Virginia 4-H’s deputy state leader, will lead the program as Johnson takes a 15-month appointment with the National 4-H Council to advance youth career pathways programs.
Alyssa Walden ’19 has been appointed acting state leader for Virginia 4-H, effective May 11, while current state leader Jeremy Johnson ’03 begins a 15-month appointment with National 4-H Council.
Walden brings 14 years of professional experience in 4-H youth development with Virginia Cooperative Extension and a lifelong connection to the program. She has served as deputy state 4-H leader since 2022 and previously worked for 10 years as a 4-H youth development agent in Stafford County.
She will lead Virginia 4-H through June 2027 while Johnson serves as lead advisor for career pathways with National 4-H Council.
“I’m excited to continue advancing our work to connect 4-H experiences with real-world skills and career readiness,” Walden said. “We’re focused on growing the program and expanding opportunities for youth across Virginia.”
In her role as deputy state leader, Walden provides leadership and support for Virginia 4-H programming, working with educators and volunteers to guide program quality and professional development. She is the immediate past president of the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals and current president of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals.
“4-H has been part of my life since I was 9 years old,” Walden said. “It’s where I found my voice and was encouraged to try new things and pursue my own ideas. That experience shaped who I am and gave me the confidence to lead.”
Johnson has served as Virginia’s state 4-H leader since 2017 and was named associate director for youth programs in 2024. In his role with National 4-H Council, he will work to identify effective career pathway programs already underway and help expand them nationwide, working with corporate partners. His efforts will focus on workforce readiness in skilled trades, credential and credit programs, and artificial intelligence.
During his national appointment, he will remain engaged with Virginia 4-H through mentorship and support of the state leadership team.
“Alyssa has consistently demonstrated strong, steady leadership — both in Virginia and through her national service,” Johnson said. “She is well prepared to step into this role, and I have full confidence in her ability to lead the program forward.”
Under Johnson’s leadership, Virginia 4-H has expanded its reach, strengthened workforce development partnerships, and secured more than $6 million in philanthropic support to grow youth programming across the state.
“Virginia 4-H reaches more than 200,000 young people across the commonwealth each year, and Jeremy’s national role reflects the strength of our program,” said Mike Gutter, director of Virginia Cooperative Extension and associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “His work with National 4-H Council will help elevate effective programs nationwide while bringing new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities back to Virginia that will continue to strengthen our impact here at home.”
“As 4-H builds a Beyond Ready generation that is prepared for work and life, we’re excited to have Jeremy’s leadership accelerate Cooperative Extension’s career pathways programming across the country,” said Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “From skilled trades to four-year degrees, 4-H has been preparing youth to find their pathway forward for almost 125 years. Jeremy’s expertise will benefit young people at Virginia Tech, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and across the country.”
Both Johnson and Walden’s ties to Virginia 4-H began in their youth.
Johnson grew up as a 4-H member in Isle of Wight County and served as a camp medic at the Airfield 4-H Center. A first-generation college student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Tech in 2003 and a master’s degree in counselor education from William & Mary in 2009. He served as a 4-H youth development agent in James City County for nine years before moving up to lead Virginia 4-H at the state level.
Walden got her start in 4-H as a fourth grader in Halifax County and progressed through camp at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center from camper to counselor-in-training, counselor, and eventually summer camp staff.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College and two master’s degrees — one in agriculture and life sciences from Virginia Tech and one in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Walden’s lifelong connection to 4-H extends beyond her own experience. Her two children are now involved in the program.
“It’s been especially meaningful to see that impact now through my own children,” Walden said. “4-H has shaped my life, and I’m excited to help create those same opportunities for others.”
