Brooke Baker-Katcher serves the University of Illinois Extension program in her role as Extension Program Coordinator – 4-H Youth Development in Grundy County.  In Brooke’s role as EPC, she strives to give the youth she works with life skills needed to make them successful in their adult life both personally and professionally.  The programs focused on include teaching youth leadership and public speaking skills gained while enjoying fun and motivating programming. 

As Extension Program Coordinator, Brooke manages county events along with the large group of volunteers that help assist with these programs within the county.  The biggest program each year Brooke manages is the annual 4-H fair.  Throughout the year this requires her to run  he 4-H Online and FairEntry systems for the county.  Brooke oversees several committees that help organize and run some of the large county events.  She also assists members in getting through the 4-H program and supports clubs with programming and administration

Brooke attained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture while studying Agriculture Communications at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.  Brooke gained experience in writing for farm publications and promoting the College of Agriculture while helping develop promotional materials sent out for the college.  Brooke was a twelve year member of a local 4-H club growing up where she participated in several projects including showing her families horses, visual arts, woodworking and others.  Brooke served on the Grundy County Horse Committee for over ten years running the 4-H Horse program.  While on the committee, she helped raise thousands of dollars to promote and run the horse show.