Jan. 6, 2014—MANITOWISH WATERS, WIS.—Camp Jorn YMCA has hired Ellie Orbison as its new Executive Director. Ellie brings 20 years of YMCA camp management experience to the role. She is the former Development and Alumni Relations Director at nearby Camp Manito-wish, and previously managed resident YMCA camps in Wisconsin, Colorado and New York.
“We are incredibly fortunate to find someone of Ellie’s professional caliber for Camp Jorn YMCA,” says Camp Jorn board president Richard Ribando. “Her experience in managing YMCA camp budgets, building relationships, administering staff and successful fundraising makes her the perfect fit for us.”
Ellie’s qualifications include serving as executive director of a 1,500-acre, $1.3 million camp operation on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Rochester (NY). There, she hired and trained seven year-round staff, as well as 90 seasonal staff. Prior, she served as Camp Director for YMCA of the Rockies Camp Chief Ouray.
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Even more impressive to Camp Jorn was Ellie’s expertise in managing successful fund drive campaigns. Her 120-person volunteer staff at Camp Manito-wish, for instance, raised more than $500,000 for its annual fund drive campaign.
“Ellie brings the full package of talents and skills to Camp Jorn and its operations,” says board member Larry Kilpatrick, who served on the hiring committee. “The fact that she’s from the Wisconsin area, and incredibly familiar with the YMCA camp programming and fundraising, means she’ll be able to hit the ground running this January."
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Ellie’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Minnesota. She is an American Camp Association (ACA) member, and currently serves the organization as a Standards Visitor.
“As a passionate camping advocate committed to YMCA’s mission and values, I’m excited about the opportunities and challenges at Camp Jorn,” says Ellie, who lives in Presque Isle, Wisconsin. She adds that she looks forward to getting to know Camp Jorn alumni and staff over the next few months as the camp prepares for its 61st year of operation.
