Versatile senior director, highly experienced in many areas. Hands-on leadership and management background with a solid track record of success in process optimization and operational restructuring. Seeking a professional position with a growing operation. Adept at directing infrastructure development and integration as a key leader. Talented communicator with a persuasive style and results-driven approach.
Hi, I’m
David Ross Cannon II
MT Lawley,WA
Summary
Overview
14
years of professional experience
5
Certifications
Work History
ALOHA FOUNDATIONFAIRLEE, Vermont
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
12.2024 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Company Overview: Vermont USA.
- Directed six distinct programs: three residential camps (600+ campers), one day camp (400+ campers), one family camp (400+ participants), and one outdoor education center (700+ students from 40+ schools annually).
- Supervised and coached five Program Directors, overseeing staffing, training, and performance management for 200+ seasonal and year-round employees.
- Oversaw multi-million dollar budgets across programs, ensuring financial sustainability and program quality.
- Oversaw compliance, safety, and risk management standards across all program sites.
- Coordinated shared resources including facilities, transportation, and staffing across multiple locations.
- Standardized operational systems for scheduling, reporting, and safety across six programs, improving consistency and efficiency.
- Strengthened retention and staff engagement through improved training and accountability systems.
- Partnered with Executive Leadership and Board to ensure program alignment with organizational strategy and fiscal responsibility.
- Enhanced program delivery by integrating data-driven decision making and participant feedback into annual planning.
- Vermont USA.
HULBERT OUTDOOR CENTERFairlee , Vermont
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
03.2021 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Company Overview: Fairlee, VT.
- Manage competitive budgets for multiple program areas such as school programs, open enrollment programs, facility rentals, and family camps.
- Direct the year-round operations of the Hulbert Outdoor Center to deliver high quality programming across multiple program scopes & designs.
- Hire, train, and supervise instructional staff for all Hulbert programs during Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.
- Direct and manage the facilitation and training of the Aloha Foundation's Challenge Courses for year-round operation.
- Collaborate with other department heads within the organization to facilitate the highest quality possible programming.
- Enhanced collaboration of shared responsibilities that involves a variety of cross-functional projects.
- Increased customer satisfaction capabilities within the organization.
- Designed and facilitated staff orientations and training in collaboration with the Hulbert administrative team to meet seasonal work needs.
- Produced the overall strategy, program revisions, and development of programs for Hulbert focused on adaptation and innovation.
- Integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and practices in the day to day work of Hulbert.
- Fairlee, VT.
HULBERT OUTDOOR CENTERFairlee, Vermont
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
01.2018 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Conducted evaluation and assessed employees to ensure job knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Performed onboarding orientations for new hires and managed their training across all aspects of their work.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures for professional development.
- Managed the marketing direction of Hulbert in collaboration with the Director of Marketing to increase the exposure and impact of Hulbert.
- Designed and updated the staffing schedule each season.
- Maintained support for all staff and fostered a '24-hour' community that reflects the need of staff employed by the Hulbert Outdoor Center.
- Facilitated Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training for user groups and staff.
- Managed and maintained the licensable integrity of the Aloha Foundation challenge courses in coordination with Assistant Course Manager and Director of Buildings and Grounds.
- Enhanced collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer to effectively steward Hulbert programming outside of the Aloha Foundation.
- Increased overall accuracy and timeliness of services such as provided problem-solving effectiveness data, anticipated probable future problem areas, and improved employee management relationships in assigned areas.
VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
01.2016 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Demonstrated a high degree of initiative, customer service, and quality of work.
- Contributed to the requirements of periodic accreditation of the Center by the American Camp Association.
- Participated in foundation leadership groups as identified by the Hulbert Director.
- Developed a co-ed residential camp program to meet the needs of 50+ campers who were dependents of service members of the Vermont Army & Air National Guard.
Lanakila
HEAD OF WATERFRONT
01.2014 - 01.2016
Job overview
- Managed the overall safety of the Lanakila waterfront.
- Ensured safety operation measurements, facilities maintenance, and adequate accommodations within the organization.
- Implemented a wide range of responsibilities to include coordinating with customers based on priorities, complexity/difficulty of assignments, and the capabilities of staff.
Camp LanakilaFAIRLEE, Vermont
Head of Brookside
05.2011 - 12.2017
Job overview
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Managed a team of 20 counselors serving as cargegives for over 30 campers.
- Supported staff in managing emotional and behavioral needs of campers.
Independent Insurance Sales Agent
01.2013 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Maintained licensure in the state of Georgia and New York.
- Generated customer base by holding in person informational sessions, attending open houses at senior centers, and developing relationships with customers.
- Diversified my selling ability by contracting with multiple insurance agencies to best serve potential clients. These companies included Humana, AARP, and Wellstar of Georgia.
Education
National Outdoor Leadership School
Certification from EMT-B, W-EMT
02-2014
University Overview
Argosy University
Major from Psychology/Interpersonal Effectiveness
03-2013
University Overview
Rhode Island College
Major from Psychology/Child Development
01.2008
University Overview
Skills
- Budget management
- Staff supervision
- Program development
- Risk management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Staff training
- Performance evaluation
- Training development
- Conflict resolution
- Team building and motivation
- Customer satisfaction
- Effective communication
- Core values management
- Culture transformation
- Collaborative leadership
Certification
- 2017, Maintained current certifications as a W-EMT, EMT-B, Level 2 ropes facilitator, and WFA instructor.
- 2017, Earned credits for completing an Advanced EMT course through VT district 9 training.
- 2016, Completed training to become Wilderness First Aid instructor for SOLO.
- 2014, Certified as an EMT-B, W-EMT from National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
- 2014, Experienced in the areas of Leave No Trace Master Educator, Search and Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, and Rock-Climbing Rescue.
- 2014, Lead independent student group expedition (ISGE) during NOLS semester.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Experience
- Deputy Chief, Fairlee Fire Department
- President, Fairlee Fast Squad (EMS services)
Professional Highlights
Professional Highlights
- 2024, Voted Deputy Chief of Fairlee Fire Department.
- 2017, Appointed President of Fairlee Fast Squad.
- 2024, Presented at Hi-5 educator symposium on the four (4) basic instructions of being Playful, Powerful, Loving, and Free. Highlighting their importance in building successful engaged communities.
References
References
Jason Knowles- Executive Director, Camp Merrowvista
Bryan Partridge- Director, Camp Lanakila
Lorraine Feinour- Director, Camp Comstock
Timeline
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
ALOHA FOUNDATION
12.2024 - 05.2025
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
HULBERT OUTDOOR CENTER
03.2021 - 12.2024
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
HULBERT OUTDOOR CENTER
01.2018 - 03.2021
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD
01.2016 - 01.2017
HEAD OF WATERFRONT
Lanakila
01.2014 - 01.2016
Independent Insurance Sales Agent
01.2013 - 01.2015
Head of Brookside
Camp Lanakila
05.2011 - 12.2017
National Outdoor Leadership School
Certification from EMT-B, W-EMT
Argosy University
Major from Psychology/Interpersonal Effectiveness
Rhode Island College
Major from Psychology/Child Development