#United States #Kansas City #Leadership Team #Camp Fire #Youth Development

Camp Fire Strengthens Leadership with New Appointments

In a significant move towards expanding its network and enhancing its youth development programs, Camp Fire, a prominent national organization dedicated to inclusive youth development, has introduced three senior leaders. This initiative aims to drive the organization’s ambitious plans to reach 250,000 young individuals across all 50 states by 2030, as it embarks on its strategic plan, Flourish.

Meet the New Leaders

Monica Puente, Tanna Abraham, and Diana Cournoyer have been appointed to pivotal roles within the organization, which currently supports 42 affiliates in 22 states and Washington, D.C. Let’s delve deeper into the impressive backgrounds of these new leaders:

Monica Puente, Chief Operating Officer

Monica Puente brings over two decades of nonprofit leadership to her role as the Chief Operating Officer of Camp Fire. In this position, she will report directly to the CEO, overseeing crucial areas such as finance, operations, and human resources. Having previously worked within the Camp Fire network, her deep understanding of its affiliate model will aid in scaling the organization’s impact. Puente’s leadership will focus on enhancing operational strategies, fostering collaboration, and establishing a solid infrastructure to support the mission of Flourish and future endeavors.

Tanna Abraham, Senior Vice President of Network Services

With nearly 20 years in the youth nonprofit sector, Tanna Abraham joins Camp Fire as the Senior Vice President of Network Services. Prior to this, she served as the Chief Program Officer at IGNITE, showcasing her commitment to serving youth. Abraham’s role will include liaising between the national headquarters and local affiliates, ensuring seamless integration of affiliate services, program services, and child well-being initiatives. She aims to cultivate a culture of partnership and accountability, which will elevate the effectiveness of Camp Fire’s outreach.

Diana Cournoyer, Senior Advisor for Native Partnerships

Diana Cournoyer, who identifies as Oglala Lakota, steps into her role as Senior Advisor for Native Partnerships with over 25 years of experience in Indigenous education and community advocacy. Her extensive background, which includes leadership positions in national organizations and firsthand work with Native communities, positions her well to advocate for Indigenous youth. In this advisory capacity, Cournoyer will shape Camp Fire’s Native partnerships strategy, focusing on community-led programs and fostering reciprocal relationships with affiliates.

A Vision for the Future

The appointments of Puente, Abraham, and Cournoyer are viewed as essential to advancing Camp Fire’s mission of fostering growth and engagement among young people. Shawna Rosenzweig, the CEO of Camp Fire, emphasizes the importance of vision and execution when building a future that benefits youth across the nation.

This bold leadership expansion represents a commitment to increasing access and deepening local partnerships, responding to the ever-evolving needs of youth. With the combined experience of over 60 years in nonprofit management, youth development, and Indigenous education, the new leaders aim to elevate the organization’s impact significantly.

About Camp Fire

Founded in 1910 as a nonsectarian, multiracial organization for girls, Camp Fire has evolved into an inclusive national youth development nonprofit. It creates safe spaces that allow young individuals to engage with nature, build connections, and discover their identities. Currently operating in 22 states and Washington, D.C., Camp Fire provides year-round opportunities, including educational programs and outdoor experiences, that help youth cultivate essential skills for personal growth and societal impact.
Learn more about their initiatives and programs at campfire.org.