Todd Kesner

Todd Kesner is an experienced Cooperative Extension administrator, youth development professional, and educator who has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing educational opportunities, strengthening communities, and developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

Prior to his appointment as interim associate dean, Kesner served as associate director and state 4-H program lead for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. In this capacity, he provided administrative and strategic leadership for Arizona’s statewide 4-H youth development program, including oversight of program operations, budget administration, enrollment development, and statewide grant initiatives. 

Before joining the University of Arizona, Kesner spent nearly 30 years with Montana State University Extension. He served as director of the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development from 2015-2024, following appointments as interim director and 4-H associate specialist for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Earlier in his career, he served as a county Extension 4-H agent with Montana State University Extension in Gallatin County and Michigan State University Extension in Charlevoix County. 

Kesner’s professional expertise includes strategic planning, grant administration, community partnerships, not-for-profit fundraising, endowment management, agriculture and natural resource education, and curriculum development. His national leadership service includes serving as Co-Chair of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee, Chair of the Western Regional 4-H Program Leaders, and a member of numerous national and regional Extension committees. He also collaborated on the $3 million Guardians 4 Health violence prevention initiative funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has co-authored peer-reviewed research on youth bystander intervention and family-centered firearm safety with researchers at Brown University, Yale University, and the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. 

His professional contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Epsilon Sigma Phi Continued Service Award (2019), Distinguished Service Award (2014), and Montana Associate of Extension 4-H Agents Meritorious Service Award (2012). 

Kesner earned a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Education in Adult, Community and Higher Education from Montana State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications from Michigan State University and an Associate of Science degree from Northwestern Michigan College.