Sean Effel Joins Sharon Zimmerman to lead Organization Through a Co-Executive Director Model
On January 3, 2022, Cambridge Camping Association announced the hiring of Sean Effel as co-executive director, joining longtime executive director Sharon Zimmerman. Effel’s hiring and the transition to a shared leadership model will enable the 128-year-old Cambridge based nonprofit organization to continue to grow and expand programming, reach more children and families from under-served circumstance, and forge deeper ties in the community.
“I am thrilled to join Cambridge Camping as co-executive director and look forward to working with Sharon as our organization embarks on this co-leadership model,” said Effel. “The Cambridge nonprofit sector has been an integral part of my career and I’m excited to bring my passion for enriching the lives of young people and families from under-served circumstances to Cambridge Camping. This co-leadership model will enable us to reach even more children and families with a broader array of inclusive, accessible programming.” For two decades, Effel was the associate director and then deputy director at Cambridge Community Access Television (CCTV). Effel has a proven record of designing new programs and working with diverse populations.
Sonia Turek, who serves as president of the Cambridge Camping’s Board and led the search committee for a co-executive director, remarked on the search process and decision to adopt a co-director model. “When the Board began this search process, we embraced the co-leadership approach as it will bring two great minds together to collaborate, work as thought partners, and ultimately deepen the impact of the organization,” said Turek. “We conducted a nation-wide search, and we are so fortunate to have found Sean – a person with deep and meaningful connections to the Cambridge community and who is widely respected in the city.”
Sharon Zimmerman will continue to lead the organization alongside Effel. “I am confident that Sean is the right person to join Cambridge Camping so we can double down on our mission and continue to build our camp programs and expand our reach,” said Zimmerman. “Since accepting the offer, Sean and I have jumped into the work as a team, and it’s apparent, we have great synergy. We plan to lead collaboratively, and I think the co-leadership model will serve our campers and community well.” Zimmerman has led CCA since 2017.