2002 4-H Centennial Alumni-The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

Recognized by
Michigan 4-H Youth Development

With support from
Michigan 4-H Foundation

Last updated: June 30, 2006

The Emerald Clover Society reflects the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership—extraordinary use of an individual's head, heart, hands and health to make our communities, our country and our world a better place in which to live.

2002 4-H Centennial Alumni: The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

John A. Tomke John A. Tomke, Bay County 4-H'er

Retired Vice-President, Global Operations,
Dow AgroSciences LLC

“Clearly 4-H taught me about responsibility…but it also gave me living, breathing examples of volunteerism at work—the 4-H leaders.”

John A. Tomke joined Dow Chemical Company in 1969 as a chemical engineer. He retired as as vice president of global operations for Dow AgroSciences in 2004. A widely acknowledged global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products, Dow AgroSciences boasts worldwide sales of approximately $3 billion. Tomke has provided leadership for Dow as plant superintendent, environmental manager, major manager and vice-president for Dow in Cartagena, Columbia; Pittsburg, California; Midland and Indianapolis. He is a former member of the board of directors and executive committee of the Chemical Industry Council of California and the Indiana Manufacturers Association board of directors. He was awarded the 1999 Vista Award from DowAgroSciences Research and Development for leadership in affecting the company’s success through effective discovery, development and sustained utility of technology.

A lifelong conservationist, Tomke was president of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., from 2002 to 2005. He now serves on the boards of Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico. He served on the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees for six years and was instrumental in securing major corporate and foundation grants to support Michigan 4-H Youth Development. Tomke is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in chemical engineering and has been designated as a distinguished alumnus.