National 4-H Council has announced the re-election of a new Trustee to its Board of Trustees, which comes as the Board strives to engage alumni, increase investment in 4-H and reach millions more young people with a 4-H experience. Ken Hicks brings extensive business expertise to his role with 4-H, having been a leader in the retail industry for over 30 years until his retirement as Foot Locker, Inc.’s Executive Chairman in May 2015. Prior to this role, Mr. Hicks served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker, Inc. for five years.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Hicks’ passion for merchandising and marketing was evident during his time at Payless ShoeSource, where his role as President saw him overseeing all elements of merchandising, marketing, product distribution, direct product development and sourcing for 4,900 stores in seven countries. He then spent seven years at J.C. Penney Company, Inc., which he joined in 2002 as Chief Operating Officer for all of J.C. Penney’s stores and became President in 2005 overseeing all merchandising and marketing. During this time, in 2006, Mr. Hicks was first elected to serve on Council’s Board of Trustees.
“I’m excited to re-join 4-H and support the continued expansion of 4-H in all communities throughout America," said newly elected Trustee Ken Hicks. "4-H helps instill a sense of responsibility, courage and leadership in young people. In order to succeed and prosper as a nation, we need to have young people who have the skills and desire to grow and develop. 4-H can help serve that need. "Mr. Hicks currently serves on the board of Avery Dennison Corporation and the advisory board of The NPD Group, and is a former member of the board of the Retail Industry Leaders Association and Board of Trustees of the International Council of Shopping Centers.