4-H
Retired Indiana State Fair Commissioner inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame
Cindy Hoye’s connection with 4-H began while she was growing up in Indianapolis, not far from the Indiana State Fairgrounds. She was active in animal projects, from raising rabbits to steers, Junior Leaders programs. photography, fine arts, baking, automotive science and public speaking.
After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Texas, Hoye started her professional career as a 4-H Extension Agent in Wisconsin, where she also held leadership roles with the American Dairy Association of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Fair.
Hoye returned to Indiana in 1988, where, until her retirement in March 2026, she worked for the Indiana State Fair Commission. Under her leadership as Executive Director since 2004, the Indiana State Fair has become one of the nation’s premier venues for 4-H participation, welcoming tens of thousands of youth annually and showcasing more than 25,000 4-H projects each year.
Hoye has been honored many times in her career, including this fall when she was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame, a recognition that she describes as “incredibly meaningful.” “I’m deeply grateful to have spent my career championing Indiana’s youth, creating opportunities for them to grow, lead, and discover their potential. To me, this honor is a celebration of the young people, partnerships, and communities that make 4-H so special.”
Purdue College of Agriculture’s Associate Dean and Extension Director Angela Abbott, who has worked with Hoye throughout her own career, praises Hoye’s contributions. “Cindy’s induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes her lifelong commitment to youth development and the values at the heart of 4-H. Throughout her years with the Indiana State Fair, Cindy has been a dedicated champion of 4-H, expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring their accomplishments are celebrated. Her partnership with Purdue Extension has strengthened Indiana 4-H and created a lasting legacy for generations of youth. Cindy truly embodies the 4-H motto: ‘To Make the Best Better.’”
In sharing her 4-H story with the National 4-H Hall of Fame, Hoye focused on the pride she has for the foundation The Indiana State Fair has built with 4-H. “Each State Fair is unique and has its own soul. The Indiana State Fair’s foundation is built on 4-H: the projects/livestock and youth. As its leader, my job was to preserve this foundation but continue to make it better. There was no greater way to tell the story of Extension while growing youth leaders then to have more than 800,000 fairgoers engage with 4-H members’ accomplishments at the great Indiana State Fair each year.”
The National 4-H Hall of Fame held its 2026 ceremony on October 26, inducting 16 honorees from around the country. Each year the organization honors 4-H volunteers, extension professionals and staff employees and others who have made a significant impact on 4-H programs and members.
After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Texas, Hoye started her professional career as a 4-H Extension Agent in Wisconsin, where she also held leadership roles with the American Dairy Association of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Fair.
Hoye returned to Indiana in 1988, where, until her retirement in March 2026, she worked for the Indiana State Fair Commission. Under her leadership as Executive Director since 2004, the Indiana State Fair has become one of the nation’s premier venues for 4-H participation, welcoming tens of thousands of youth annually and showcasing more than 25,000 4-H projects each year.
Hoye has been honored many times in her career, including this fall when she was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame, a recognition that she describes as “incredibly meaningful.” “I’m deeply grateful to have spent my career championing Indiana’s youth, creating opportunities for them to grow, lead, and discover their potential. To me, this honor is a celebration of the young people, partnerships, and communities that make 4-H so special.”
Purdue College of Agriculture’s Associate Dean and Extension Director Angela Abbott, who has worked with Hoye throughout her own career, praises Hoye’s contributions. “Cindy’s induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes her lifelong commitment to youth development and the values at the heart of 4-H. Throughout her years with the Indiana State Fair, Cindy has been a dedicated champion of 4-H, expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring their accomplishments are celebrated. Her partnership with Purdue Extension has strengthened Indiana 4-H and created a lasting legacy for generations of youth. Cindy truly embodies the 4-H motto: ‘To Make the Best Better.’”
In sharing her 4-H story with the National 4-H Hall of Fame, Hoye focused on the pride she has for the foundation The Indiana State Fair has built with 4-H. “Each State Fair is unique and has its own soul. The Indiana State Fair’s foundation is built on 4-H: the projects/livestock and youth. As its leader, my job was to preserve this foundation but continue to make it better. There was no greater way to tell the story of Extension while growing youth leaders then to have more than 800,000 fairgoers engage with 4-H members’ accomplishments at the great Indiana State Fair each year.”
The National 4-H Hall of Fame held its 2026 ceremony on October 26, inducting 16 honorees from around the country. Each year the organization honors 4-H volunteers, extension professionals and staff employees and others who have made a significant impact on 4-H programs and members.
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