CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to welcome Emily Webel of Farmington, Illinois, to its Board of Directors. A former 4-H member, communications professional, and current 4-H volunteer and parent, Webel brings a unique combination of professional expertise and personal commitment to advancing opportunities for Illinois youth.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors plays a vital role in strengthening Illinois 4-H by building partnerships, securing resources, and supporting programs that help young people develop leadership skills, explore their interests, and prepare for their futures.
“Our board members bring more than professional expertise to the table. They bring a genuine belief in what 4-H can do for young people and a commitment to making those opportunities possible for more families,” said Angie Barnard, University of Illinois 4-H foundation director. “Emily understands the impact of 4-H from multiple perspectives, as a former member, a parent, and a volunteer. We're excited to welcome her experience and passion as we continue building support for the next generation of Illinois 4-H members.”
Emily Webel serves as Director of Communications for Dinges Fire Company, a national fire safety distribution company, where she leads communications and marketing strategy, media relations, and internal sales training.
A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Webel began her career as a middle school teacher before transitioning into the nonprofit sector. She held positions with the Heart of Illinois United Way, the Clinton Health Matters Initiative, and the Carl Sandburg College Foundation, gaining experience in community engagement, fundraising, and organizational leadership.
After earning a master's degree in strategic brand communications from the University of Illinois, Webel moved into agency marketing and communications, developing client relationships and strategies for organizations including WinField United, KWS Seeds, Corteva, Pioneer Seeds, and Caterpillar.
Webel and her husband, Joe, live in Farmington with their six children, Anna, Josie, Amelia, Jack, Mary, and Caroline. Their family is actively involved in Knox County 4-H through club leadership, youth participation, and ongoing support of the program.
“As a former 4-H member, I’ve experienced its impact firsthand. Now, watching my own children build connections and develop skills through 4-H, I see that its greatest impact in their lives goes far beyond any blue ribbon they earn. I’m excited to serve on the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board and give back to an organization that has opened so many doors for my family,” said Webel.
Webel joins a dedicated group of leaders who contribute their time, expertise, and connections to help expand the reach and impact of Illinois 4-H across the state.
To see a full list of current board members, visit the Illinois 4-H Foundation website.
About the Illinois 4-H Foundation
The Illinois 4-H Foundation supports the Illinois 4-H program, a part of University of Illinois Extension. The Foundation provides financial resources to support 4-H programs, scholarships, and events that foster leadership, citizenship, and hands-on learning in youth throughout Illinois. The Illinois 4-H Foundation is committed to expanding the reach and impact of 4-H in every community across the state.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.