Jon Southern appointed new Executive Director & Superintendent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission Names Jon Southern as
Executive Director & Superintendent

March 24, 2022 (Welshpool, New Brunswick, CA) — Jon Southern has been appointed Executive Director & Superintendent of Roosevelt Campobello International Park (RCIP), a historical  and nature park that is a singular example of international cooperation jointly administered, staffed and funded by Canada and the United States.

Mr. Southern brings a passion for conservation, a broad range of leadership experience in Maine, Eastern Canada and Europe, and a background managing large facilities, public access lands, and interpretive educational programs. He comes to RCIP from Downeast Coastal Conservancy, an organization that protects essential ecological habitats in Maine’s coastal Washington County.  As its Executive Director, he was responsible for the management of over 90 conservation properties including 16 public access preserves and the design and delivery of educational programming.   

“RCIP Commission is delighted to have Jon joins us as the Executive Director & Superintendent given his extensive leadership capabilities and commitment to the local area, said Edward McLean, Acting Chair of the RCIP Commission.  We are thankful to the Commission’s Ad Hoc Search Committee, who worked closely with Kittleman & Associates, to recruit Jon to this critical role to ensure RCIP delivers on its mission to be a memorial to President Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt and to share the beauty of their “beloved island” with visitors while being a symbol of the unique friendship between the United States of America and Canada”.   

Prior to Downeast Coastal Conservancy, Mr. Southern was a Management Consultant and Regional Coordinator for the State of Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife where he developed and oversaw conservation and recreational safety education, training and certification programs. Previously, he served as the City Manager of Eastport, Maine, and was responsible for managing all city departments and employees and supervising the police department and public works.

“I am honored to be selected as the new Executive Director & Superintendent of RCIP and look forward to amplifying the vital vision of the Park as a memorial to the years the Roosevelts — both FDR and Eleanor — enjoyed life on their ‘beloved island’,” said Jon Southern. “Working with the Park’s staff, island businesses, the area's natural attributes and the nearby communities of Lubec and Eastport is an opportunity I heartily accept. As a resident of Downeast Maine, I well understand the vital role RCIP plays in the tourism partnerships and economic health of this area, both in New Brunswick and Maine.”

Mr. Southern is a member of the Board of Trustees and Head of the Properties Committee of the Maine Audubon. He holds a B.A. from the University of Manchester, UK, and an M.S. from the University of Salford, UK.

Mr. Southern will assume his responsibilities as Executive Director & Superintendent of Roosevelt Campobello International Park on April 1, 2022.

RCIP engaged Kittleman & Associates to conduct a search for its Executive Director & Superintendent. Kittleman & Associates is a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities and philanthropic organizations. Kittleman recruits’ leaders for the entire nonprofit sector including museums and historic sites, parks and public gardens, and conservation and educational organizations. For more information, visit www.kittlemansearch.com.

RCIP preserves the summer home of President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as other historic cottages.  RCIP also provides to visitors an extensive trail system throughout its 2,800-acres of beautiful natural areas with access to wetlands and coastal environs.  RCIP is the only international park in the world jointly managed, staffed and owned by the peoples of two countries and administered by a joint Commission. RCIP offers programs for all ages to deepen visitors’ understanding of the island and the contributions of the Roosevelt family to Campobello and the world. For more information, visit www.rooseveltcampobello.org.

###

For more information contact:   Kate Johnston, Manager of Marketing & Visitor Services

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Campobello Island, New Brunswick

kate.johnston@rooseveltcampobello.org

P: (506) 752 2922 / (877) 851 6663