The Indiana 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of five new board members for 2026:
Dr. Jay Arthur is an Educational Consultant and CEO of Imperative Leadership, working primarily with public schools and not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves as the Director of the ASSET, an alternative teacher licensure program. Jay is a former PK-12 public school superintendent, director of special education, and director of student services. During his time with the Indiana Department of Education, he was the Project Manager of the grant overseeing the state’s special education IEP system. Jay graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Special Education and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology. He completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Studies at Indiana University. Jay is a 10-year 4-H Member and lifelong 4-H volunteer, most notably working with youth at the Indiana State Fair each year. He is originally from Monroe County, but now resides in the Indianapolis area.
Brian A. Arwood, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CNE, is a faculty member at Indiana University Kokomo and a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He is deeply committed to youth development through his service as a 4-H club leader, project superintendent, and camp nurse in Miami County. Brian earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Purdue University and holds multiple certifications in nursing education and mental health. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, he has served in leadership positions with the Indiana State Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Indiana Chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, advocating for professional growth, education, and quality care across the nursing profession.
Sydney Clements is a medical student at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and minors in Global Health and Interdisciplinary Studies in Medicine. Sydney was a 10 year 4-H member in Johnson County, where she was involved with the Clover Power 4-H Club, the 4-H Ambassador program, Honor Group, and Junior Leaders; in youth roles on the Johnson County Extension Board, 4-H Council, and Expansion and Review Committee; and with the Johnson County Fair Queen’s Court. Outside of school, Sydney volunteers with Indiana 4-H and Indiana’s Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar.
Young Alumni Representative Zach Geleott is a full-time student at Wabash College and a business owner, operating a digital marketing agency. Zach grew up in Northwest Indiana and was a 4-H member in Jasper County. Zach is forever grateful for his time in 4-H, those he interacted with, and the skills he developed as his 4-H club president, a 2022 YES grant recipient, and a Junior Leader.
Young Alumni Representative Mary Fritch is a geography student at IU Indianapolis. She was a 10-year 4-H member in Morgan County and held a variety of leadership roles throughout that time. Her favorite positions include serving as president of the Morgan County 4-H Junior Leaders Club as well as Junior Director for 4-H Camp Shakamak. Mary enjoys assisting her community through volunteer work and is a member of several campus organizations, including Academics for Civic Engagement and the Student Sustainability Council.
Read about all our board members on our Who We Are page.