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Our full-time staff at ACA, New England are dedicated to supporting and promoting quality camp experiences in New England.
Each with their own experience in camping, this group of professionals is here for you.
Michele Rowcliffe, CEOMichele oversees our relationship building efforts, advocacy initiatives, operations, educational programs, and manages our full-time staff.
A New York native, Michele has led ACA, New England since September 2020. Prior to joining ACA, New England, Michele completed her formal education in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology at SUNY Geneseo. Michele has been a member of the American Camp Association since 1997; a member of the YMCA of the USA Overnight Camping Cabinet since 2015; and most recently worked for the YMCA of Greater Rochester as Vice President of Camping Services. Her experience coupled with her passion for youth camping position Michele as a fantastic steward for our members, camps, and organization.
Bud Copeland, Director of Membership & EngagementBud works directly with members and camps on renewal, engagement, Accreditation, and growth opportunities. He is the staff liaison for EPIC, New England, and oversees marketing and public communications.
Originally from Florida, Bud worked for Alachua County Public Schools as a teacher (Creative Writing, Humanities, U.S. Civics) and dean. He spent 10 summers at Camp Laurel South in Maine and joined them for three more years as full-time Director of Operations. Prior to joining ACA, New England, Bud worked for Pearson Education. He holds an M.A. in Political Science, Public Affairs from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Georgia.
When not working with camps, Bud enjoys golf, reading, camping, watching sports, and spending time with his family (Dog: Miller, Wife: Aly, Daughter: Cooper Rose).
Kerry Salvo, Director of Programs & Strategic PartnershipsKerry plans our annual New England Camp Conference and our other educational and professional development programs and builds partnerships with organizations looking to get involved with and support our work.
Originally from Portland, ME, Kerry has worked for Camp Fire North Shore, City Year Boston, the YMCA of Southern Maine, and the Portland Public Schools. Kerry holds an Ed.M. in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University, a B.A. in Sociology and French from Boston College and is a proud AmeriCorps*VISTA alumna.
In her spare time, Kerry enjoys jogging, Zumba, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her nieces and nephews!
Ayla heads our marketing efforts, promoting events, designing email campaigns, managing our social media, and capturing content for all our communication platforms.
Born in Rockville, Maryland, Ayla graduated with a B.S. in Digital Media, Web Technology and Digital Marketing from University of Maryland, Global Campus. Prior to joining the team, Ayla worked in fashion retail, social media, brand management, digital marketing, and dance fitness.
Ayla’s love of camping started at eight years old. She attended Fernwood Cove, Summer Camp for Girls, as a camper, CIT, and counselor for 14 years. Ayla also spent three summers as the Unit Leader Director at Camp Caribou for Boys.
Outside of work, she enjoys road trips to Maine, trying new restaurants, white water canoeing, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Frankie.
Gillian assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of all aspects of ACA New England’s in-person and virtual events.
Originally from New York City, Gillian graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Theatre and spent her post-grad years as an actor, educator, and administrator in both NYC and Minneapolis.
A life-long Maine summer camp kid, Gillian spent 5 summers at Camp Mataponi before beginning her residency at Ghostlight Theater Camp where she spent 14 years growing her love of Camp. In her 10 years on staff at Ghostlight, Gillian has been a counselor, a carpenter, a producer, and most recently the Activities & Trips Director.
Gillian’s other passions include crafting, cooking, singing, and making jokes!
Haillie coordinates all facets of the accreditation program including the recruitment and training of Accreditation Volunteers. Beyond accreditation, she engages ACA New England Volunteers to support them and grow opportunities for our membership throughout the region.
Born and raised in southern New Hampshire, she moved to Maine where she obtained a B.S. in Wildlife Care and Environmental Education from Unity College. Since returning to New Hampshire, her career has included roles with the United States Department of Agriculture, and most recently the National Park Service and Conservation Legacy where she served an AmeriCorps term managing volunteers, coordinating events, leading youth, and developing digital content.
In her free time, Haillie enjoys going to the gym, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops!
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