Camp Fire is celebrating Taylor’s 50-year career in camping and youth development, including 19 years leading Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.
“I feel incredibly blessed for the opportunities that my career in youth development and camping has afforded me and my family,” said Taylor. “I treasure the relationships I have built and the 150,000 youth and families we have served throughout my Camp Fire tenure.”
Executive Director Rick Taylor will retire in spring 2027. Taylor has led the organization since 2012 and has spent his entire 50-year career in camping and youth development.
Known for opening every conversation by asking, “How are you doing?” Taylor has led with an emphasis on personal connection throughout his tenure. That approach has helped him build lasting relationships across the Camp Fire community, Vashon Island, the greater Seattle area and beyond, earning him a reputation as an empathetic, kind and thoughtful leader with a deep commitment to camper inclusion.
Throughout his tenure, Rick realized many significant achievements including leading the board and staff team through a successful Camp Sealth Master Planning process, dramatically improving the financial health of the organization, overseeing a pandemic fundraising campaign enabling Camp Fire to stay operational as well as securing two conservation easements forever protecting a large swath of Camp Sealth from development.
Adds Joanna Cerar, Camp Fire Board President, “I want to thank Rick for his many years of commitment and dedication that has made such an incredible difference for our youth and families as well as our staff team.”
Rick has also been a strong leader in the Camp Fire National network having served on the Board of Trustees and was recently honored with the prestigious Leadership & Values Award.
“Rick has worked incredibly hard to build bridges and create lasting partnerships that expand Camp Fire’s reach and impact. Recognizing the importance of authentic relationships with Native communities, Rick spearheaded the development of a groundbreaking partnership with the Puyallup Tribe—a testament to his deep commitment to inclusion,” shared Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire National.
Cara Thompson incoming board president adds, “We are grateful for all of Rick’s commitment and dedication to Camp Fire and wish him all the best in his retirement journey.”
Camp Fire Central Puget Sound’s Board of Directors is committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and will be launching a national search for a new Executive Director this fall.
To learn more about Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, view our 2025 Impact Report.