Janice Wirstra

Area Director Northeast

I was raised on a 4-H family farm near Chauvin, Alberta, and was a 4-H member for 8 years in both beef and lighthorse clubs. I attended every extra-curricular program offered through 4-H including summer camps, exchanges, Club Week, Conservation Camp and Selections. During my post secondary years, I also worked for the 4-H branch as the summer programs coordinator for 2 years and as the Pheasant/Environmental Coordinator at Battle Lake, assisting with the summer camps program. I also worked in the Airdrie 4-H office as the Winter 4-H Assistant for 2 years.

Both of my parents being 4-H members as well as long term 4-H leaders. My Dad was a leader for 40 years and my Mom for 25. My parents set amazing examples, as they continued to give back to the program long after my brother and I completed our membership years because they loved seeing the difference they made in the lives of 4-H members. I am proud to say both of my parents are in the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame, which they both deserve for their countless hours of volunteering to help members. 

I obtained my University Degree from the University of Calgary, majoring in Communications and Tourism, after which I started my career in banking with Bank of Montreal and ATB Financial in the business and agricultural lending area. I took a break from banking for 10 years working in the private sector as the Financial Controller for a mid sized oil & gas construction company.  I returned to banking 5 years ago and picked up where I left off in business and agricultural lending with ATB Financial.

I am married… and my husband and I own and operate a purebred cattle operation calving approximately 300 head. We have 2 amazing daughters ages 17 and 19, both of whom have been 4-H members since they were eligible. The oldest is attending college and the youngest is just completing Grade 12. 

As my youngest is nearing the end of her 4-H membership years, I am wanting to continue to give back to the program that has been such a large part of my life in shaping who I am and contributing to my life successes. I plan to continue to be involved with 4-H at the grass roots level, having been a 4-H leader for 9 years, but I am also passionate and excited about the future of 4-H and view the opportunity to remain on the 4-H Alberta Board as an opportunity to help 4-H Alberta navigate through all of the changes and challenges presented by our present world.