The Encampment for Citizenship Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Margot Gibney has been named Executive Director. Ms. Gibney has a long history with the Encampment. She attended the program as a youth, served as a summer staff member, and served as Executive Director from 1986 to 1993.

Ms. Gibney has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management. Her expertise includes program design, implementation, and evaluation, training and supervision, fundraising, financial management, and community outreach. In addition to her work with the Encampment, Ms. Gibney has served as the Executive Director of the Youth Treatment & Education Center in San Francisco, California. She has worked extensively with at-risk youth and young adults as the Director of the Collaborative Justice Courts and in other capacities.

Since 2010, Ms. Gibney has been working with a group of committed Encampment alums to re-establish the Encampment for today’s youth. As Project Director, Ms. Gibney led fundraising and program planning efforts for the inaugural 21^st century Encampments in Richmond, Virginia in 2013, and Chicago, Illinois in 2014. She worked closely with staff and youth during both summer programs and continues to provide year-round support and advocacy.

Board Chair Ada Deer remarked, “We are deeply honored that Margot has agreed to be our Executive Director. Margot personifies the Encampment. She got the Encampment bug in 1971 and her passion for social justice has never wavered. Her singular dedication, drive and devotion have encouraged us all and propelled the EFC forward.” Board Treasurer Steve Leibman added, “This hire shows the Encampment intends to be here for our young people today and into the future.”

The Encampment for Citizenship was founded in 1946 by Algernon D. Black of the New York Society for Ethical Culture and civic leader Alice K. Pollitzer, and was sponsored by the American Ethical Union. The Encampment provides youth from a wide variety of backgrounds with a living, working, and learning experience that enables them to gain an increased awareness and understanding of themselves and others. The summer program develops social responsibility and leadership skills by encouraging critical thinking and providing in-depth exposure to current social issues through workshops, field trips in the community, and the use of arts and social media. The Encampment archives are housed at Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library Special Collections and Archives.

The Encampment Board of Directors extends congratulations to Margot Gibney and anticipates a continued strong working relationship as the Encampment moves forward.