Sherwood Forest has hired Prescott Benson as their organization’s new Executive Director. He succeeds Mary Rogers who will retire at the end of 2019 following 53 years at Sherwood Forest in a variety of roles.
“Sherwood Forest provides a unique opportunity for at-risk children in St. Louis to have experiences that help close the academic and opportunity gaps,” said Prescott. “I am excited to join this organization that is doing such great work for children in our community.”
Prescott has over 20 years of experience working in youth development and non-profits. He comes to Sherwood Forest after 8 years of working at Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club of St. Louis, where he served as Executive Director for the past 5 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lee University, a Master’s degree in Counseling from Theological Seminary and a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University in the City of New York.
Last fall, Sherwood Forest board members and volunteers formed a Succession Planning Task Force that conducted the search and interview process for the new Executive Director. Through this intensive process, the Task Force identified Prescott as their top candidate.
“Prescott brings a significant amount of education and experience in the youth development space and is well versed to understand the needs of our campers” said Marjorie Melton, Sherwood Forest’s Board President and the leader of the Succession Planning Task Force. “He deeply believes in our mission and can communicate it with passion and authority. He will be a great addition to our organization.”
Prescott’s hiring follows Mary Rogers’ announcement earlier this year that she will retire at the end of 2019. Mary has been involved with Sherwood Forest first as a camper, then as a staff member filling a multitude of roles. Mary has been Sherwood Forest’s Executive Director since 2001. During Mary’s tenure, she has spearheaded research and evaluation efforts, extended camp sessions from 12 to 28 days, started a new program, Supports for Success, to work with program participants to and through college, and led the organization’s recent and successful $7.2 million Capital Campaign.
“My passion in life has been rooted in providing a safe place for children to experience opportunities through education and nature that transform their lives,” said Mary. “Thanks to our recent Capital Campaign, Sherwood Forest is able to serve more children than ever. I know under Prescott’s leadership, our organization will continue to grow and thrive.”
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About Sherwood Forest
Founded in 1937, Sherwood Forest is an independent, non-profit youth development agency helping kids from low-income families in the St. Louis region escape poverty. It is one of only three organizations across the nation offering month-long residential summer camp experiences and year-round programming. Sherwood Forest believes education and opportunity are rights fundamental to all children and their mission is transforming the lives of children in need through powerful programs that allow them to discover their self-worth, realize their potential, and do good in the world. To learn more about Sherwood Forest, please visit www.sherwoodforeststl.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more information, contact Libby Sunkari, Community Relations Manager at libbys@sherwoodforeststl.org.