Camp Fire Heart of Iowa Executive Director Announces Retirement
Kelly Peterson to retire after 5 years with Camp Fire, Owen Ballard named successor.
[Des Moines, IA] – Camp Fire Heart of Iowa Executive Director Kelly Peterson has announced that she will retire after 49 years in the youth development industry. Kelly has been the fearless leader of Camp Fire for the past five years. Taking the reins right before the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-10 pandemic in March 2020, Kelly has tirelessly led the Camp Fire team through an incredible time of transition and progress.
During Kelly’s tenure, her notable achievements include navigating Camp Fire through the uncertain times of COVID, restructuring staff positions to promote more collaboration and unity, and empowering staff to try innovative, new ideas with the goal of diversifying revenue streams and meeting the ever-changing needs of the community. Kelly reflects on her time with the organization, “It has been both an honor and a pleasure to work with such an outstanding organization. Camp Fire’s mission and values as well as the dedication and commitment of the staff and board, truly provides an incredible opportunity and experience for the young people of our community! I have mixed emotions about this transition after spending more than half my life in youth development and specifically camping. However, life events have shown me it’s time to focus on family. I wish Camp Fire much success in the future!”
As Kelly prepares to transition out of her role in June, Camp Fire and its Board of Directors are excited to name Owen Ballard as the next Executive Director. Owen currently serves in the role of Development & Operations Director. Owen has been involved with Camp Fire for most of his life. He is a former program participant, seasonal camp counselor, and volunteer club leader. Owen began his journey on professional staff in 2015 as the Assistant Camp Director at Camp Hantesa until 2019. In 2021, Owen returned to Camp Fire in his current position overseeing fundraising and all services and programs. Owen holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Child, Adult, and Family Services and another bachelor’s degree in Biology. Owen also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Drake University and was a graduate of Lead DSM’s 2024 class of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Owen shares his excitement for the upcoming transition, “I’m excited to help steward Camp Fire into the future in my new role as Executive Director. Our mission is more important today than it ever has been before. Kids and teens need and deserve safe spaces dedicated to them with caring adult mentors to help them learn, explore, and grow. We will continue to strive for excellence and to reach more kids and families with the help and support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and alumni!”
Camp Fire expresses our immense gratitude to Kelly for all she has done and look forward to what the future has in store!
About Camp Fire Heart of Iowa: Camp Fire is an inclusive youth development organization founded with the intention of connecting kids with nature and helping them develop the skills needed for a happy, healthy life now and into the future to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.
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Media Contact:
Jenna Turner
Communications & Strategic Partnerships Director
jturner@campfireiowa.org
