Jim Stephanson Tapped As New Camp Fire CEO

Got the following news release this afternoon from Camp Fire of Snohomish County…

Camp Fire Snohomish County is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Stephanson as new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2018.

As a long-time Everett resident, Mr. Stephanson provides a wealth of knowledge and extensive leadership experience.

Current executive director Dave Surface states, “I am confident that the hiring committee made a great choice. Jim’s private industry management experience coupled with his success in raising capital for not-for-profit agencies will provide a strong match for the skills needed to support the Camp Fire organization as well as its multi- generational families.”

As CEO and in partnership with the Board, Stephanson will actively promote Camp Fire’s Promise/Mission, philosophy, and programs. The goal is extending beneficial collaborations with the general public and organizations in our community. This is done by sharing the Camp Fire Promise and Thrive(ology). ‘Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are’.

“I’m excited beyond words for this great opportunity to lead Camp Fire with its long and storied history of 100-years serving Snohomish County families,” expresses Stephanson.

Stephanson’s resume includes over 30-years of business and community development in Snohomish County. As Director of Business Development & Small Business Programs for Economic Alliance Snohomish County, he worked with business owners and organizations, large and small to ensure their needs were met. Stephanson understands a strong healthy business climate is essential for a community’s vitality.

As Director of Development for Bethany of the Northwest, he worked on all aspects of development from investor engagement, endowments, capital projects and grant writing. Donations, event revenue and grant funding grew at double digit rates.

Previously, he had a long and successful business career as General Manager and Vice President for a local beverage distributor. Stephanson led 140 employees and managed over 100 supplier relationships and serviced 700 customers while successfully managing an annual budget of $7 million in revenue.

Giving back his time and talents to our community includes active involvement in South Everett /Mukilteo Rotary, Leadership Snohomish County and Providence’s Institute for Healthy Communities. Stephanson has a long-history with Camp Fire through board service as well as his three daughters attending Camp Killoqua as Camp Fire youth.

“The hiring committee consisted of 3 past board presidents, the president elect and myself as the current board president,” states Elizabeth Johnson. “The five of us were delighted by the depth and breadth of the applications we had the privilege of reviewing. After many interviews and countless robust conversations, we are thrilled that Jim Stephanson has agreed to be our new CEO.”

Johnson continues, “Retiring executive director, Dave Surface, has exemplified sound leadership, fiscal acuity, and strong relationships within all areas of Camp Fire Snohomish County for the past 26 years and will continue to provide guidance and direction for the remainder of the current capital campaign.”

About Camp Fire Snohomish County: This year Camp Fire Snohomish County celebrates 100-years of service to youth in our community. Young people want to shape the world. Today’s Camp Fire provides the opportunity for boys & girls to discover who they are – find their spark – and become leaders. Our programs provide the inclusive experience our youth need to thrive. Everything we do together for our kids surrounds them in a curriculum that embraces the Thrive Theory of Change, 40 Developmental Assets and Wise Kids healthy lifestyles curriculum. In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within.