Kismet Rock Foundation Announces Officer Appointments And New Board Members.
North Conway, NH, October 2022
The Kismet Rock Foundation, a North Conway based nonprofit organization which offers rock climbing to underserved youth throughout New England, is pleased to share new officer appointments and welcomes three new members to their Board of Directors. Marty Markenson has assumed the role of Chairperson and Alyssa Riley is now Secretary. David Packard of Portland, ME, Beth Phelps of Cornish, ME, and Carter Owens of North Conway, NH have recently joined as part of a new strategic initiative to expand and diversify the Kismet Board of Directors.
New officer appointments were made during the June meeting. Markenson, of Burlington, VT, joined the Board in 2021 and has been active in modernizing our technology infrastructure and working with the development committee. He follows Dana Etra, of Wellesley, MA, who will transition to Vice Chairperson. Riley, of Intervale, NH, a prior Executive Director of Kismet, continues to be instrumental in mentoring the staff.
Packard is an attorney and real estate developer for PK Realty Management in Portland, ME. He has board experience recently serving on the nonprofit Portland Downtown. As an avid outdoorsman and having a long history of participating in outdoor camps in his youth, he is eager to support the Kismet program and help create opportunities for young students.
Phelps has years of experience as a professional in the nonprofit sector currently working for the PAS Foundation in Wells, ME and will bring great strength to the development aspects of Kismet as they strive to diversify funding channels. She also has worked in Wilderness Experiential Education with at-risk youth and is active in climbing and outdoor recreation.
Owens recently moved to North Conway and is a guide with the Appalachian Mountain Club. He is active in the climbing community where he learned about Kismet and reached out to volunteer at the cliff during the summer program. His knowledge of Leave No Trace practices, risk management, and his love for climbing will aid in executing the summer program weeks.
“We are thrilled with the enthusiasm, diversity, and strengths these new board members bring to the Kismet Team,” said Executive Director Krissy Fraser. “We recently developed an ambitious strategic plan and having new professional talents on the board to support various initiatives is a tremendous asset.”
About Kismet Rock Foundation
Founded in 2000 by Mike Jewell, Kismet Rock Foundation nourishes the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of underserved rural and urban children throughout New England before they enter their formative teen years. Our success in redirecting the path and supporting the potential of children is accomplished by providing a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing within the context of a stable and loving family-like atmosphere.