BOISE, IDAHO – Reba Green-Holley, retired director of the Gates County Cooperative Extension, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame here last month for her life’s work and his contributions to the organization.

Reba Green-Holley proudly holds the plaque presented to her as one of the newest members of the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Contributed photo

Honored by NAE4-HYD, Green-Holley was one of 15 inductees during the ceremony at the Boise Center, Boise, ID.

The honorees each received a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and keepsake book during the ceremony.

“We are proud to honor and recognize the exceptional individuals who make up the National 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2024. These individuals touched the lives of many, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of 4-H volunteers and members across the country,” said Pamela Van Horn, president of the National 4-H Hall of Fame. 4-H.

Green-Holley has been a pioneer in citizenship, leadership, professional success and character throughout her distinguished career. Beginning her journey with Gates County Cooperative Extension in 1981, Green-Holley’s dedication and commitment led to her appointment as Gates County Cooperative Extension Director in 1995. In this role, she achieved a historic milestone by being the first African-American woman to hold such a position. a central position in a county deeply rooted in agriculture.

Green-Holley has successfully acquired several significant contracts and grants for youth and family development programs addressing critical issues affecting citizens in low-wealth communities. She brought in millions of dollars that were used for the good of Gates County. She developed and administered research-based prevention and intervention programs that effectively impacted citizens for whom other resources were unavailable. She was and continues to be a civic leader, an innovator and a vital mentor in her community.

“As the county Extension director and 4-H agent, my goal was to mobilize resources and design programs that would enhance opportunities and improve the quality of life for the county and its youth,” Green said -Holley, reflecting on his career.

His visionary leadership empowered young people, who have since become accomplished professionals and community members. Their success is a testament to the lasting impact of the programs launched by Green-Holley. Eleven 4-H members went on to become county Extension agents or program assistants and twelve became camp counselors.

The inaugural guide dog initiative was brought to the county under his leadership and managed by Denice Miller, 4-H program assistant, marking the first program of its kind.

Green-Holley led the effort to become the first agency in the county to secure United Way funding. She pioneered the creation of the first web design pages for county government in conjunction with 4-H. She also launched a design competition for the Gates County seal. The county government adopted the purchase order process originally developed for its operations.

She successfully listed Reid’s Grove Rosenwald School on the National Register, drawing commissioners’ attention to possible historic rehabilitation efforts.

She was an early pioneer of AmeriCorps, which placed youth volunteers in its county program and was also instrumental in assisting the State 4-H program’s performing arts troop for many years.

During her tenure, Green-Holley expanded the reach of the Gates County office into the community, gaining additional support for Extension. She played a crucial role in training many future extension agents and generously shared her knowledge with the Northeast and state district offices.

Through her grantmaking skills, she has raised millions of dollars for the Gates County 4-H program and created jobs. Additionally, she has led fundraising initiatives for foundations that continue to support Gates County programs indefinitely.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Green-Holley has actively contributed to community development, serving on various boards and committees, including the Roanoke-Chowan Foundation, the Albemarle Foundation, the Community Benefits Board, the First Citizens Bank Board, the State E-NC Board, Roanoke-Chowan Partners. for Progress, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and the organization of America’s largest land-grant HBCU institution – the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Cheer Association.

In a transformative interview in 2013, Green-Holley highlighted the challenges she faced in breaking down traditional barriers within the white male-dominated agricultural landscape. Undeterred, she emphasized the broader scope of cooperative extension work, encompassing family consumer science, 4-H and youth development, and community resource development. His leadership transformed perceptions and fostered inclusion in an evolving agricultural community.

A Greensboro native, Green-Holley received his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and his master’s degree from UNC Greensboro. Alongside her husband, Guy, she has lived in Gates County for many years, raising two accomplished sons, Armond and Tovaris, both members of the prestigious 4-H Honor Club of North Carolina.

Green-Holley left an indelible mark on the legacy of Gates County through his unwavering commitment to citizenship, leadership, professional success and character.

National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees are nominated by their home state, the National 4-H Council, the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals, or the National 4 Headquarters -H from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). ) – USDA based on their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the National Association of 4-H Extension Agents Centennial Project in partnership with the National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters -H from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. , USDA.

For more information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame event and past recipients, visit