Deb Stocker

Deb Stocker believes in youth and adult partnerships. From her start in 1980 in St. Clair County, to her ten years in Clinton County, and her final move to the State 4-H Office in 1991, she involved young people in decisions that affected them. During her 27 years on the state level, Deb involved teens on planning committees for State Fair, the Recognition program, and the State Youth Conference (now the Illini Summer Academies), as well as worked with them to develop the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. With her guidance, the Youth Leadership Team created the Illinois State 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference and the Speaking for Illinois 4-H program to involve even more 4-H teens in leadership positions. Legislative Connection was redesigned to focus on 4-H teens educating elected officials on various 4-H programs across the state. Even after her retirement in 2018, Deb continues to serve Illinois 4-H as a 4-H leader for the Philo 4-H Friends in Champaign County.