Tracy Gardner

CEO, 4-H Alberta
ex officio

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are proud to announce the appointment of Tracy Gardner as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 4-H Alberta. Tracy assumes the CEO role as of Monday, June 2, 2025.

Tracy is an accomplished executive leader, a passionate 4-H alumna and 4-H Premier’s Award recipient, and a lifelong advocate for youth, agriculture, and rural communities. With over 15 years of experience leading nonprofit and economic development organizations, Tracy brings a wealth of expertise in governance, financial oversight, program innovation, and stakeholder relations.

Tracy reflected on becoming CEO by saying, “Joining 4-H Alberta is remarkable and an opportunity that I am forever grateful for. I am able to relate to 4-H as a Member, Ambassador, Premier’s Award Recipient, Leader, Volunteer and Sponsor who bleeds green at every level. I am wholly dedicated to serving this organization and its valuable stakeholders with grace, relevance and productivity.”

Tracy’s journey began in the 4-H program, which helped shape her into the leader she is today. Her creation of Summer Synergy, a nationally celebrated youth leadership and livestock program, exemplifies her commitment to building strong communities and future-ready youth.

Most recently, Tracy has been serving as Executive Director of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership, where she championed regional collaboration across 34 municipalities.
As 4-H Alberta embarks on its next chapter, Tracy will play a pivotal role in strengthening relationships, building trust, and revitalizing our program for the future. Her vision is one that bridges tradition with innovation, preserving the legacy of 4-H while expanding opportunities for urban and rural youth alike.

The Board’s Chair, Christine MacTaggart, stated, “4-H Alberta is beginning yet another exciting chapter, with Tracy at the helm! We are confident that Tracy’s leadership will inspire and unite our community as we continue to deliver meaningful, hands-on learning experiences to young leaders.”

We look forward to introducing Tracy at upcoming events and engagements across the province.