Bank President Becomes 4-H Educator in Midlife

Facing midlife, some people buy a new sports car, take up an extreme sport, or choose to get a face lift. Doug Crouse's “midlife crisis” was a bit more subtle, but the change he made had greater impact – not only on himself, but on the community. The Harrington resident spent 20 years in banking, working long and hard to rise to the level of president of JCPenny Card Bank, NA. But five years ago, at the age of 39, he decided to leave banking and join 4-H, the youth outreach program of Cooperative Extension. Today, Crouse is the 4-H youth development educator for Kent County Cooperative Extension as well as the military liaison for 4-H statewide.

“I've never been happier,” says Crouse. “It's great to wake up and know that you're getting paid to do what you love.”

Crouse has been extremely active since joining 4-H and works with more than 3,700 Kent County youths who participate in community-based 4-H clubs, after-school clubs and day camps. His efforts haven't gone unnoticed. He was recognized with an “Achievement in Service Award” at a meeting of the National Association of 4-H Extension Agents held recently in Seattle .

Crouse's desire to leave banking and move to the field of youth development “was a windfall for 4-H,” says Joy Sparks, state program coordinator for 4-H youth development. “Doug developed a lot of skills as a banker that he now uses as a 4-H youth educator,” says Sparks . “His customer relationship skills, community involvement with other organizations, and accounting skills are an asset to 4-H. And his friendly and down-to-earth personality helps him recruit and maintain 4Hers and volunteers.”

Crouse's cadre of 400 4-H volunteers rivals the size of his former bank staff. He excels at training and managing these volunteers, in part because he was once a volunteer leader himself. After a childhood involved in Kent County 4-H, Crouse become an adult leader of the Harrington Sunshine Club some 15 years ago. His wife, Karen, was a co-leader of that club and their two daughters, Heather and Jennifer, also have been active in 4-H.

Jan Seitz, associate dean and director of UD Cooperative Extension, sees in Crouse a remarkable passion for working with youth. “I cannot think of a better role model for helping today's youth realize the fulfillment that comes from making a difference in the lives of others,” says Seitz.

“It is wonderful to be part of an organization that does great things for our community,” says Crouse. “I've never looked back.”