Rider named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailCalhoun County 4-H alumnus Jackie Rider, of Durand, was among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony on Oct. 3.
Calhoun County 4-H alumnus Jackie Rider, of Durand, is among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Rider was recognized on Oct. 3 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation at the MSU University Club in Lansing.
The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
In 12 years of working for the State of Michigan, Rider has built an accomplished career in operations, technology and organizational leadership. During her tenure at the Department of State, she has led major initiatives that have improved customer service, operational efficiency and access to government services. Rider’s career has included roles in process improvement, project and quality management and customer experience, including supervising the $70 million Customer and Automotive Records System modernization project.
Today, Rider serves as chief operating officer for the Michigan Department of State, providing operational oversight for more than 1,100 employees and helping ensure secure, accessible and effective services for Michigan residents. Once a Calhoun County 4-H’er, Rider’s role gave her the unique ability to support the implementation of the Michigan 4-H license plate in 2024-25.
“4-H taught me empathy, responsibility, and the value of hard work,” said Rider. “Those lessons shaped every job I’ve had since. I am so grateful for the 4-H leaders and volunteers who showed me compassion at a time when I needed it most. Their kindness helped build the foundation for the person I am today.”
Rider was a 4-H member for six years and was involved in horse projects and leadership experiences. Entering the program at a particularly difficult time in her life, she credits 4-H for helping her to develop confidence, responsibility, resilience and perseverance to overcome obstacles. Committed to giving back, Rider continued her 4-H involvement as a volunteer leader for several years.
Rider earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Spring Arbor University. She has been recognized with Good Government Coins for leadership and teamwork, as well as the Department of Technology, Management and Budget’s Director’s Coin. Rider also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, a certification for data-driven problem solving and process waste reduction.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2026 were: Dalen W. Agnew, Williamston; Beverly K. Ferris Hain, Jenison; Benjamin J. LaCross, Lake Leelanau; Elizabeth A. Manwell, Canton; State Rep. Gerald A. Neyer, Shepherd; Judith K. Paulsen, Hartland; Roxanne S. Turner, Fowlerville; and Emma J. Young, Detroit. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.
Other honorees recognized at the 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the 2026 Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers recognized in 2025 and 2026, winners of the 2025 and 2026 MSU 4-H Scholarship, and 4-H staff retiring since 2024. To make a donation in tribute of Rider or another awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.
