CAMP Rehoboth begins search for new executive director

CAMP Rehoboth in Rehoboth Beach has begun looking for its next executive director.

In a press release issued Jan. 19, Board President Wes Combs said the search is being led by a committee formed by the board of directors in partnership with national search firm Cooper Coleman.

“It is our hope that the candidate will be in place by Memorial Day 2023,” said Combs, in a prepared statement.

Interim Executive Director Lisa Evans was appointed in June following the exit of former Executive Director David Mariner, who stepped down in May after three years at the helm. He replaced founding Executive Director Steve Elkins, who died in March 2018. At the time of her appointment, Evans had been serving as acting manager of day-to-day operations since mid-April.

The search committee was formed in October and is being chaired by Combs. Other search committee members include Evans, CAMP board members Pat Catanzariti and Jason Mathis, and community member Glen Pruitt.

The press release said five vendors submitted proposals in response to CAMP’s request for proposals for executive recruitment services. The committee chose Cooper Coleman because of its experience conducting searches for organizations that most closely resemble CAMP Rehoboth in mission, size and geographic location, said the release.

“Cooper Coleman’s references spoke highly of its comprehensive discovery process conducting stakeholder interviews with staff, board, donors, volunteers and community members. This helps ensure the job description and leadership profile accurately reflect the qualifications necessary for CAMP Rehoboth to continue being a lifeline for the LGBTQ community in today’s uncertain times,” said Combs.

Prior to forming the search committee, in September 2022, CAMP’s board of directors engaged the services of MMP Associates to support the development of a new strategic plan, given demographic shifts in the area since 2019 and the impact of COVID on CAMP Rehoboth’s services.

The next executive director will play a pivotal role in the completion and execution of the new strategic plan, said Combs.

The press release said CAMP Rehoboth is looking for a candidate who has successfully led or held a leadership position within a significant and growing organization. Also, it said, the board is looking for candidates who have held leadership roles in and are passionate about the LGBTQ+ movement.

CAMP Rehoboth, a community center serving the needs of LGBTQ+ people, was co-founded by Elkins and Murray Archibald in 1991. For more information, go to camprehoboth.com, call 302-227-5620 or email info@camprehoboth.com.