(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Cass County Extension Director Kate Olson reports Katie Bateman is the new, Youth Programs Coordinator at the Cass County Extension Office. Olson says Bateman is no stranger to the 4-H program, and that knowledge will serve her well in the role she began in Mid-May. She’s has jumped right in to working with youth, parents, volunteers, and partners across the county, Olson says. The Youth Program Coordinator role is a full-time position, with responsibility for youth outreach programming and 4-H program management in Cass County. Katie’s first month on the job has been a flurry of activity with livestock weigh-in and entries, county fair preparation and summer daycamps and programming.

Katie is a graduate of Atlantic High School and was active in the Cass County 4-H program throughout her early years, serving in leadership roles at the club and county level. She remained involved in college, interning for several years at the Cass County extension office during the summer and helping form a collegiate 4-H club at the University of Northern Iowa, where she graduated with a degree in Leisure Youth and Human Services. Following graduation, she worked as a CYC in the Story County extension office for two years, in addition to other work experience with youth organizations and senior living communities around Iowa. She has also stayed involved as a volunteer in 4-H programs as she has moved across the state. Katie is excited to get back involved with the Cass County 4-H program to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

Katie Bateman, Cass County Extension Youth Programs Coordinator.

Bateman says “As a Cass County 4-H Alumni and previous 4-H Staff member, I’m excited to be back in Cass County and leading a program I love! I’m looking forward to stepping back into the Cass County 4-H program and getting to work with our youth, volunteers and partners to keep our local program strong and continuing to grow.”

Kate Olson invites you to stop by the Cass County Extension Office at 805 W. 10^th Street in Atlantic and welcome Katie to her new position, or give her a warm welcome as you see her at upcoming programs and around the fair this summer.  She is available to answer questions regarding 4-H and youth programming or share information on resources available through Iowa State University Extension in Cass County.

Katie can be reached by calling the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132 or by email at kbateman@iastate.edu. For information on upcoming youth and 4-H activities in Cass County, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass, follow @CassCoIAExt on Facebook or @casscountyiowa4h on Instagram.