News Release: 4-H Canada Enters New Era as Long-Time CEO Resigns

Ottawa, ON, Sept. 8, 2023 – 4-H Canada, a leading positive youth development organization in Canada, will soon start the search for a new CEO.

Current CEO, Shannon Benner, has led the organization for over a decade, but will leave on Sept. 22, 2023, to pursue another opportunity.

"We are grateful to Shannon for her outstanding leadership and contributions to 4-H," said Dave Hansen, Chair of the 4-H Canada Board of Directors. “During her time at the helm, Shannon had the foresight to lead the implementation of a range of initiatives that will serve the movement for years to come.”

During Benner’s time with the organization, a complete re-organization was undertaken, leaving 4-H in Canada with updated governance, strategy, and programs, as well as strengthened partnerships and financial health. Under her leadership, the 4-H movement in Canada transitioned from a federated model to an accreditation model that requires provinces to participate in a process focused on ensuring national standards across the country.

In addition, Benner’s influence extended beyond Canadian borders as demonstrated by her election as the Founding Chair of the Global 4-H Board of Directors, and Canada’s hosting of the Global 4-H Network Summit in 2017.

"Thanks to Shannon’s leadership, the Canadian 4-H Foundation is poised for continued growth and impact, which means that we will continue to see amazing new leaders emerge from the 4-H membership,” said Ben Graham, Chair of the Canadian 4-H Foundation.

“This is bittersweet for me,” said Benner. “I am so proud of all that the 4-H movement has accomplished and know that the movement will continue to grow with the support of the many dedicated staff and volunteers across this country who are all highly invested in 4-H’s continued success.”

- 30 -

Download photo of Shannon Benner

After more than a decade at the helm of 4-H Canada, CEO Shannon Benner is moving on.
Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada

Photo may only be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For a high-resolution photo, please e-mail

About 4-H Canada

For 110 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H Canada has 17,434 members and nearly 7,000 volunteer leaders participating in more than 45,000 projects. Our goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, caring, and contributing youth leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit 4-h-canada.ca and follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

For more information, media may contact:

Jessie Christie
Director of Communications, 4-H Canada
jchristie@4-h-canada.ca
613-619-9049