A series of blogs on the achievements of Illinois 4-H members has earned Judy Mae Bingman the national communicator award in the personal column division by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4HA). She will be honored at that group’s annual conference in November. While at the national convention in White Sulphur Springs, W.V., Bingman will teach two workshops: impact report writing and storytelling.

Media communication manager for Illinois 4-H since late 2013, Bingman has received national communication awards for content development of news stories, 4-H promotional packages, and photography. Bingman joined University of Illinois Extension in 1983 and has earned additional national awards for her work in newsletter production, marketing piece development, and feature writing while serving White, Clay, Jasper, Fayette, and Effingham counties. During her career, she earned the NAE4HA Achievement in Service, Distinguished Service, and Meritorious Service awards.

In the 12-state North Central region competition, Bingman earned the top spot for the Illinois 4-H CloverSeed publication, a 76-page annual report highlighting Illinois 4-H program, club, and member accomplishments.