Keith Russell recently was named Alleghany 4-H agent at the local branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service.

Former Camp Cheerio worker is new Alleghany 4-H agent

With the new year came a new position for Keith Russell, who began his job as a 4-H extension agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Jan. 2. Russell now holds the position that was vacated in September 2006 with the departure of Sara Drake.

A native of Moorehead City, Russell has actually spent about 20 years working here in Alleghany, the majority of which was at Camp Cheerio, where he began working as a college student.

Russell attained an associate's degree in business administration from Montreat College in Black Mountain, and later attained a bachelor's in parks and recreation management, with an emphasis on outdoor recreation, from Western Carolina University.

"When I came to work at Camp Cheerio, I was working with their Adventure program," Russell said. Upon learning of a full-time position involving the program became available, he applied for, and was later accepted for the position. Russell served as director of the Adventure program for 18 years.

"I have a lot of background in the youth development field," Russell said. "Basically, my life's work is helping young people to achieve their potential. I just like to see young people achieve what they're capable of. There are a lot of young people who seem to ‘coast' without really challenging themselves. I would like to see a child be challenged to reach their next goal."

When asked why he made the transition from working at Camp Cheerio to working with the Cooperative Extension Service, Russell commented, "A couple years ago, I resigned my post there (at the camp) to try something different. I took some time off to be with my family and (accepted) some different jobs in the last couple of years waiting for something to open up back in my field, which is youth development. It's my passion."

At the present time, Russell said he is trying to ‘get a handle' on the programs that are currently in existence in Alleghany.

"I think the first thing on my agenda is to try to form some focus groups," he said.

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