On behalf of the Board of Trustees of U.U. Rowe Camp and Conference Center, and following a unanimous vote of the board, we are pleased to announce Jenna Cusack as Rowe’s next Executive Director.

A third-generation Unitarian Universalist, Jenna was once a Rowe camper herself. Since that time, she has demonstrated an ongoing and deeply rooted commitment to the organization. Jenna has served on committees of the Rowe board since 2022 and as a board member-at-large since 2024, co-chairing the Development and the Youth Programs Advisory committees. She has a passion for Rowe’s mission, vision, and values and a proven track record in leadership, decision-making, community cultivation, relationship-building, and collaboration. Her other roles at Rowe have included working as a camp counselor for Junior High and Senior High Camps, collaborating on the Summer Camp Task Force, and organizing and overseeing camper outreach efforts. Jenna comes to Rowe with expert skills in project and people management and budget oversight from her time as First Assistant Director for feature films and a Producer for commercials. Additionally, she served in student government at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she initiated gender-inclusive policy change for the institution. Whether shaping a safe, fun and inclusive environment for campers, enjoying a mid-winter morning walk through the woods, or making high-level decisions on behalf of the organization, the spirit of Rowe is palpable in Jenna’s life and work.

Throughout the application and interview process, and overall in her past work for Rowe, it has become clear that Jenna approaches even the most minute task with energy and enthusiasm. She balances generating big ideas with a keen ability to stay grounded in data and evidence to support her decision-making. Notably, Jenna naturally builds bridges and forms connections. In her interviews, she expressed a passion for inspiring people and bringing them together to achieve a common goal. This skill is a gift that we have seen her demonstrate, time and time again. We have every confidence in Jenna’s leadership and look forward to working with her to see Rowe into a bright future.

Jenna will join us at Rowe on Monday, June 2nd and will officially begin in her position as Executive Director on Monday, June 9th, following the Centennial Celebration. She will also co-direct Junior High Camp this summer.

We extend our deep gratitude to Clay Connor for serving as Executive Director for the past two years and supporting the Board throughout our search for Rowe’s next director. We are heartened by Jenna and Clay’s established working partnership and know they will form a strong support system during this transition.

I hope you’ll join us in welcoming and celebrating Jenna’s appointment to the Executive Director role–one of our first big, important steps as we begin Rowe’s second century. If you’re planning to attend the Centennial celebration weekend, you’ll be able to welcome her in person; if not, please be sure to say hello to Jenna during your next visit to Rowe. She is excited to meet and make connections with members of our community as she gets settled into her new position.

Once again, welcome and congratulations, Jenna! 

In the Spirit of Rowe,

Holly Thompson, President

Phoebe Westwood, Interim Vice President, Executive Director Search Chair