CHEVY CHASE, MD. (August 8, 2022) - Today, National 4-H Council announced the appointment of Shawnda H. Howard as Vice President, People and Culture, leading the organization's human resources department.
Howard brings more than 20 years of cross-sector experience in human resources leadership and strategic business partner roles across a variety of HR functions for private, public, and nonprofit organizations.
"I am thrilled and honored to join National 4-H Council at such an exciting time," said Howard. "As a volunteer for nonprofits focused on youth, education, equity, and social justice work and as a former participant in youth development programs, I understand the importance of investing in young people and their communities. I look forward to bringing my passion and experience to Council to further the 4-H mission of providing opportunity for all."
Prior to joining National 4-H Council, Howard held human resources management positions with small and mid-sized private-equity backed firms as well as large Fortune 500 global companies, including Raytheon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Honeywell.
Howard also served as the chief human resources officer for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and was responsible for developing and leading the overall human capital strategy. She led transformation initiatives to modernize city government HR functions, systems, processes, and programs to improve operational excellence and enhance the employee experience. During her tenure, Howard and her team helped to build organizational capabilities through leadership development programs and launching the City's first-ever employee engagement strategy and survey to further drive organizational culture change. She also spearheaded the redesign of benefits administration and programs that received industry awards for its integrated and people-centered wellbeing programs.
In her new role, Howard will work with the executive team and management team to align the HR strategy with National 4-H Council's business strategy to further the organization's mission in the areas of leadership and talent management, operations and organizational effectiveness, and workplace culture management through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"We believe our Council Associates are our greatest asset in advancing 4-H's mission to create opportunity for all youth," said Jill Bramble, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at National 4-H Council. "Shawnda's extensive experience, core belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and passion for youth development will contribute to the growth and impact of our mission."
Howard holds a bachelor's degree in human resources and labor relations from University of Maryland and a master's degree in organizational development and strategic human resources from The Johns Hopkins University. She is an alumna of the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, has a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the SHRM Executive Network, and Chief.
ABOUT 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Media Contact
Julia Majors, National 4-H Council
jmajors@fourhcouncil.edu
