Message from the 2025-2026 Board
Dear Georgia 4-H,
As your 2025-2026 Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors, we are incredibly honored to serve and represent the more than 193,000 youth who make up the 4-H program across our state.
4-H has given us more than just memories, it has shaped us into stronger leaders, better teammates, and more confident individuals. From leading workshops and planning statewide events to competing in project achievement and speaking in front of elected officials, 4-H has prepared us to be Beyond Ready for whatever the future holds.
Our board is made up of nine youth leaders from across Georgia, including a President, Vice President, three State Representatives, and four District Representatives. Together, we’re committed to uplifting youth voices and building on the legacy of excellence that makes Georgia 4-H so special.
We are deeply thankful for the guidance and encouragement of our 4-H Agents, Educators, Program Assistants, Volunteers, and State Staff. Your support empowers us to lead with purpose and represent Georgia 4-H with pride. We’re excited for the year ahead and look forward to continuing to make the best better, for ourselves, our peers, and the communities we serve.
With gratitude,
Robert Thomas, President
Timothy Carter, Vice President
Gregory Huston, State Representative
Cecilia Moore, State Representative
Shaelin Calder-Denny, State Representative
Tyson Mathis, Northeast District Representative
Lesley Nichols, Northwest District Representative
Tiya Patel, Southeast District Representative
Max Nelson, Southwest District Representative
Meet Your Current Board of Directors
Robert Thomas, President // Putnam County
Robert is a junior in high school and has been actively involved in 4-H since the 4th grade. He previously served as President of the Northeast District Senior Board of Directors. Robert is a Master 4-H’er in the Food for Health and Sport project. He has a passion for promoting healthy living, both within 4-H and in his community. He leads a county club called Munch N Move, where he helps teach youth how to take simple steps towards improving their health. He has served as a Health and Wellness Ambassador, a One Georgia Ambassador, and is involved in judging teams such as Forestry and Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging. Outside of 4-H, Robert is a member of the varsity tennis team, BETA Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Skills USA. Robert is honored and excited to serve as Georgia 4-H State Board President and represent an organization that has played such a meaningful role in his life.
Timothy Carter, Vice President // Richmond County
Timothy is a senior at Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School and serves as Vice President of the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors. A proud 4-H’er since the 5th grade, Timothy has been actively involved in events such as camp, District Project Achievement, SRTLC, State Council, and Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging. He currently serves as President of his school’s Key Club and County Council and is involved in a wide range of activities including Richmond County Orchestra, Youth LEAD Georgia, Skills USA, White Tiger Productions, and serves as a Pollinator Ambassador. Timothy has a passion for media and storytelling and enjoys using film to educate, inspire, and amplify youth voices. Timothy is honored to represent Richmond County and looks forward to serving Georgia 4-H as State Vice President.
Gregory Huston, State Representative // Toombs County
Gregory is a senior in high school and has been a dedicated 4-H’er since the 5th grade. He previously served as Vice President of the Southeast District Senior Board of Directors. Gregory is a two-time Master 4-H’er in National Conference and the General Recreation project. He currently serves as a Healthy Living Ambassador, Certified Teen Leader, and Clovers & Co. vocalist. Gregory has a passion for the performing arts and this past year earned his third Master 4-H’er title in the Performing Arts: General project. Beyond 4-H, he is committed to leadership within his community. Gregory is deeply grateful for the opportunities 4-H has provided and is honored to represent Georgia 4-H as a State Representative this year.
Cecilia  Moore, State Representative // Stephens County
Cecilia is a senior at Stephens County High School and has been an active member of Georgia 4-H since the 5th grade. She has served in several leadership roles, including Vice President of the Northeast District Senior Board of Directors and as a member of the Northeast District Junior Board. Cecilia enjoys serving as a teen leader and is passionate about making a positive impact on younger 4-H’ers. She has participated in a variety of 4-H programs, including District Project Achievement, Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging, SRTLC, and teen leading at Junior Conference. Outside of 4-H, Cecilia is involved in Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Anchor Club, and is a member of her school’s golf and dance teams. She is looking forward to an exciting year of new opportunities and hopes to inspire others through her leadership.
Shaelin Calder-Denny, State Representative // Bibb County
Shaelin is a junior from Bibb County and proudly serves as a State Representative on the Georgia 4-H Board of Directors. A second generation 4-H’er, she has been involved in the program since the 4th grade. Shaelin previously served on the Northwest Junior and Senior Boards of Directors. She has competed in Project Achievement in a variety of categories including Safety, History, and Performing Arts Dance. In 2024, she earned Master 4-H status in the Safety project as well as Key Award. Shaelin is known for jumping into every opportunity available, from county events and judging teams to conferences and ambassador roles. She currently serves as a One Georgia, Ag Tech, and Pollinator Ambassador. Her commitment to service extends beyond 4-H. Shaelin is beyond honored and excited to give back to the organization that has given her so much.
Tyson Mathis, Northeast District Representative // Oconee County
Tyson is a high school senior and has been an active 4-H’er since the 5th grade. He previously served as President of the Northeast Junior and Senior Board of Directors. Tyson is a four-time Master 4-H’er in the Forestry and Wood Sciences and Outdoor Recreation projects, National Conference, and Key Award. He participates in Project Achievement, Forestry Judging, Poultry Judging, Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging, and Dairy Quiz Bowl. Tyson is a dedicated teen leader who enjoys mentoring and teaching younger 4-H’ers. Outside of 4-H he is involved in BETA Club, Student Council, NHS, FFA, the Watson-Brown Junior Board, and Civics Club. Tyson is grateful for all he has learned through 4-H and is honored to represent the Northeast District once again.
Lesley Nichols, Northwest District Representative // Coweta County
Lesley is a high school senior who began her 4-H journey in kindergarten by joining her county’s Homeschool Club. Since then, she has stayed actively involved in the program through District Project Achievement, State Congress, SRTLC, Summer Camp, and more. Lesley recently earned Master 4-H status in Dairy Judging. She has previously served on the Northwest District Senior Board of Directors and currently serves as a Certified Teen Leader, One Georgia, Pollinator, and representative on the Senior Camp Planning Committee. Outside of 4-H, Lesley is a dedicated Girl Scout and serves on the Trefoil Girls Leadership Council. She’s also active in her local library and enjoys tap dancing in her free time. Lesley is incredibly grateful for all that Georgia 4-H has taught her and the many opportunities she has experienced. She is truly honored to serve as the Northwest District Representative on the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors.
Tiya  Patel, Southeast District Representative // Evans County
Tiya is a senior at Claxton High School and has been an active 4-H’er since the 4th grade. She has served on both the Southeast District Junior and Senior Boards of Directors and enjoys giving back as a Certified Teen Leader at events like Junior Conference and Cloverleaf Camp. Tiya began her 4-H journey with the encouragement of her 4-H Agent, who introduced her to new opportunities and helped shape her into the leader she is today. She has competed in Project Achievement every year since the 4th grade and discovered her passion for storytelling and cultural heritage through her project in the International category, where she earned Master 4-H status. Outside of 4-H, Tiya is actively involved in her school and community. She serves as a Student Director and Fine Arts Ambassador, is President of both FBLA and the Junior Chamber Board of Commerce, and is a member of the BETA Club. She also manages the softball team and plays on the flag football and tennis teams.
Max Nelson, Southwest District Representative //Tift County
Max is a junior at Tift County High School and proud member of Tift County 4-H. He began his 4-H journey in the 5th grade through District Project Achievement and has competed each year since. In addition to DPA, Max is active in Poultry Judging, Shotgun, and Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging. He has served on both the Junior and Senior Southwest District Boards and enjoys mentoring younger members. Outside of 4-H, Max is a member of the Tift County Track Team and serves on the Media Team at First Baptist Church of Tifton. He is excited to represent Southwest District as a member of the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors and looks forward to building new friendships, giving back to the program that has shaped him, and help create meaningful experiences for 4-H’ers across the state.