Dear Camp Rising Sun Community,
It is with great excitement that, after an extensive search, we announce that Barrington (“Barry”) Fulton Jr. will be the next Executive Director of the Louis August Jonas Foundation! Barry has served as a dedicated member of the LAJF Board since 2021, most recently as a member of the Executive Committee. In the years following his time as a camper in 1999 and 2000, Barry served in multiple leadership roles at CRS and with the foundation, including as Camp Director from 2010-2013.
Barry is a lifelong educator and youth advocate. With over two decades of experience in K-12 education leadership and nonprofit management, Barry brings a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives, enhancing community engagement, creating inclusive organizational cultures, and advancing innovative programming. His tenure as Head of Middle School at The Foote School and North Shore Country Day School has prepared him to take on the complex challenges of stewarding LAJF’s legacy while charting a bold course for its future. Barry shared his thoughts as he steps into this role:
“It is an extraordinary honor to return to the organization that shaped the person and leader I’ve become. Camp Rising Sun taught me the values of empathy, curiosity, and service—values I carry with me every day. I’m thrilled to step into this role as Executive Director and to help guide LAJF’s next chapter, expanding our impact while preserving the life-changing essence of the Rising Sun experience for generations to come.”
Helene and Barry at Burger Hill.
We are deeply grateful to our long-serving Executive Director, Helene Mattera, whose leadership has been instrumental to the growth and sustainability of our programs. Helene has been an integral part of our camp community, we thank her sincerely for her years of dedicated service. We look forward to her continued support during this transition in partnership with Barry and as a member of our extraordinary alumni community.
Helene shared: “It gives me great peace of mind to know that Barry will be leading our organization and nurturing our community. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and seeing all the wonderful things he accomplishes.”
It is with much pride and great pleasure that we welcome Barry and look forward to the continued positive impact he will have on our community.
Barry’s official start is July 1st. The timing will allow for further exchange and collaboration between Barry and Helene to ensure a healthy and smooth transition. Please join us in welcoming Barry as our next Executive Director and expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Helene for her years of commitment and leadership. Thank you all for your support during this important transition!
In community,
Cindy Abramson, Board President
and the LAJF Board