Dec. 5, 2022 (Chenango County) – The Rogers Center’s Board of Directors has hired David Carson to lead Central New York’s preeminent environmental education center as the new executive director. He returns home from South Florida with his wife, Dana, following an international career in climate science and business administration.
“My family has been coming to Rogers for four generations. To see it in such great shape, with an exceptional board and talented staff, excites me beyond words,” Carson said. “We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us.”
The Rogers Environmental Education Center, now in its seventh decade of evolution, is experiencing what some might call an environmental renaissance. Spread across 600 acres of diverse landscapes, outdoor classrooms and a visitors center, Rogers provides outstanding environmental education opportunities for its patrons across New York state. With Ellen Rathbone, senior environmental educator, now at the helm of program development, and sound financial footing fortified by ten years of exceptional executive leadership, Rogers is poised for newfound growth.
Said John Pumilio, President of the Board: “We are thrilled to announce David’s return to Central New York as Rogers Center’s Executive Director. We know how valuable Rogers Center is to so many individuals and families throughout our region. With David’s proven leadership, wealth of environmental expertise, and rich history of entrepreneurship and business development, we are quite fortunate to welcome David back to our community as Rogers Center’s Executive Director.”
Prior to joining Rogers, Carson built several companies in south Florida following his undergraduate degree in finance and economics. Upon exiting his founding role at real estate startup, Compass, Carson shifted to a career in climate science via the Netherlands, pursuing a master’s degree in Environment and Resource Management at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. There he was instrumental in securing $17M in funding for water governance and climate migration research at the Institute of Water and Climate Risk. An avid gardener, open water swimmer, and outdoor enthusiast, Carson is well poised to make an immediate impact in the community where he was raised. He can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, and on Instagram @upstatedave_
The public is invited to meet Carson and the entire staff at Rogers’ annual Winter Living Celebration, from 11am to 3pm Jan. 22nd.
The Rogers Environmental Education Center serves to excite, inspire and motivate people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy, understand, appreciate and protect our unique natural environment. Its size, scale, and diversity of landscape provide a perfect entry point for novice hikers, while also presenting a challenge for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Youth, adult and school programs are offered throughout the year in addition to staff-led excursions.