Ryan Hensley

Executive Director
Lenoir City, TN
(865) 974-7436
tn4hfoundation@utk.edu

In October of 2011, Ryan Hensley was named the Executive Director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. Ryan grew up a Loudon County 4-H member and got his start in the sheep project. Being a third generation 4-H member, one can say 4-H is in his blood. Over his 4-H career he became active in many aspects of the 4-H program. Ryan attended 4-H camp; was active in Honor Club, All-Stars, and State Council; showed livestock; and attended National 4-H Congress.

Ryan received his education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in agricultural economics and business, as well as a MBA. He currently resides in Lenoir City and works closely with the state 4-H staff. Ryan is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Amanda Hensley whom he met in 4-H Honor Club. Ryan and Amanda have three sons, Kenny, Brayden & Jace.

Christie Henderson

Assistant Director
Seymour, TN
865-974-7430
chende32@utk.edu

In 1998, Christie began her career with UT Extension in Cumberland County as an Extension Assistant in Family and Consumer Sciences. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Human Ecology. After taking several years off to start a family, she returned to Extension in 2016 as a part-time Event Coordinator for the State 4-H Office. In January 2020, Christie accepted the opportunity to work for the Tennessee 4-H Foundation as a part-time Assistant Director.

Christie and her husband Curt, have been married for more than 20 years. They have three children, Seth, Maggie and Eli.

Lela Moore

Accountant
Oak Ridge, TN
865-974-9724
lmoore7@utk.edu

Lela began her career with the UT Extension in January 1988. She served as an administrative support assistant in the Morgan County Extension office for 22 years before coming to the state 4-H office. She served as the accounting specialist for the 4-H Youth Development/Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communications Department, and the Tennessee 4-H Foundation before becoming the Department Business Manager.  After 34 years with UT Extension, she decided to retire and work with the Tennessee 4-H Foundation in a post-retirement position.

Lela and her husband Danny, have been married for over 40 years. They have three adult children, two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren.  In their spare time, Lela and Danny enjoy spending time with family, beekeeping, hiking in the Smokies, traveling, and are active in their church.

Sandie Morton

Accountant
Knoxville, TN
865-974-9724
smorton@utk.edu

Sandie began her career with UT Extension in June, 1981, and retired June, 2007, with 26 years of service. She started out in the Extension deans’ office and served as the budget coordinator for all of Extension working with the four deans. At the time of her retirement, she was working with Tim Fawver, Chief Business Officer to the Chancellor. She is now working part-time on a post-retirement appointment for the Tennessee 4-H Foundation.

Sandie and her husband Glen, have been married for more than 40 years. They have one adult son. Though they do not have any grandchildren, they are Meme and Poppy to her great-great nieces and nephews whom they adore.

Maya Plaster

Assistant Director
Knoxville, TN
865-974-2128
mplaste2@utk.edu

Maya began her career with UT Extension in 2010 working with UT Extension Strategic Plan Leadership Committee. Prior to joining Tennessee 4-H Foundation, she worked for UT 4-H Youth Development, UTIA Marketing and Communications, UT Extension Administration, and Extension, Evaluation, and Staff Development departments. She earned her master’s degree from the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria, majoring in International Tourism. Maya and her husband Michael enjoy hiking and traveling in their spare time.

Steve Sutton

Assistant Director
Knoxville, TN
865-974-9724
ssutton2@utk.edu

Steve was an eight year 4-H member in Cocke County, Tennessee. He attended National 4-H Congress in Chicago in 1969 as a national swine project winner. Steve graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture before beginning his Extension career in 1973 as an Extension agent with 4-H responsibilities in Washington County. After 13 years in Washington County, he accepted a position on the state 4-H staff as an Extension specialist giving leadership to curriculum development and recognition. In 2008, he was named Director for 4-H Youth Development and state 4-H program leader.

Steve retired in 2014 and continues to support the efforts of the Foundation in a part-time, post-retirement appointment. He resides in the Fountain City neighborhood of Knoxville during retirement and enjoys hiking, fitness walking, reading, photography and international travel.