University of Nevada, Reno Extension has appointed Sarah Chvilicek as the state associate 4-H program leader for the 4-H Youth Development Program. With decades of experience in youth development, Chvilicek brings leadership and mentoring skills to help prepare Nevada’s 4-H members to become future civic leaders.

Chvilicek, previously northern Nevada’s 4-H coordinator, will focus on expanding membership statewide to ensure all Nevada youth have the opportunity to benefit from the youth group’s transformative experiences. She will also prioritize growing after-school programs that complement classroom learning through hands-on opportunities, while increasing participation in clubs, projects and camping programs.

"Sarah’s appointment as the state associate 4-H program leader reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering Nevada’s youth,” said Lindsay Chichester, Nevada 4-H program leader. “With her leadership, the 4-H Program is poised to build on its strong foundation, creating even more opportunities for young people to thrive."

Chvilicek will work closely with state 4-H professionals to establish a unified, systematic approach to youth development programs. Her immediate focus includes fostering partnerships, engaging volunteers, and developing innovative educational initiatives to help youth build leadership skills, explore STEM fields and cultivate community connections. She will also collaborate with state officials to integrate the nationwide Beyond Ready Program into Nevada’s 4-H framework to equip youth with dynamic skills for an evolving workforce.

Chvilicek holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before joining Extension, she worked as a youth employment specialist for Montana’s Labor Department and later continued helping youth to secure jobs through Join Inc., a nonprofit focused on educational and occupational training in Nevada. She came on board as staff for the Nevada 4-H Program in 1989.

Parents and guardians of youth interested in joining the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program can contact their local county Extension offices for information about clubs and programs available. Adults interested in volunteering can find more details or register online, and a program representative will contact them.