Executive Director Simon Solomon at Rogers Center. (Photo submitted by Friends of Rogers)

SHERBURNE — Friends of Rogers Center Board of Directors announces Simon Solomon’s departure as Executive Director of the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center. Simon has accepted a position as Executive Director of the Central New York Land Trust located in Skaneateles, NY. The board and staff all wish Simon the best in his new position.

Friends of Rogers Center Board President John Pumilio said, "Simon's departure will leave a big hole in the Rogers Center family. Over the past nine years, Simon has helped to successfully lead our organization through challenging times with great skill and professionalism. Above all, Simon has been a great community leader and friend to everyone who has been touched by Rogers. Over the past few days, I have been reflecting on Simon's time at Rogers with a great dose of gratitude and appreciation for a job well done."

John went on to say, "Soon, Rogers' Board of Directors will be opening up a search for our next executive director. In the meantime, we are in excellent hands and quite fortunate to have Heather Tehan, [Rogers' current Director of Development], serve as Interim Executive Director."

Executive Director Simon Solomon said, “After nearly a decade at the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, I recently submitted my resignation to the board to trail a new challenge. While I certainly have mixed feelings as I transition to this next chapter as Executive Director of the Central New York Land Trust in Skaneateles, I will continue to work with likeminded individuals to preserve and protect Central New York’s clean water, clean air and wildlife habitats.

"I am beyond proud of all that the Friends of Rogers staff, board, volunteers, interns, members and community supporters have accomplished during my tenure. To say you have all been a great team to work with would be an understatement as I am beyond appreciative of the support I have received over the years, both personally and professionally from each and every one of you.

"Without our partners, the Friends of Rogers would not be as strong as they are today. It has been my honor to serve the Rogers Center and this wonderful community. Thank you all for being so welcoming since day one and I look forward to seeing you all on the trails in the future.”

Friends of Rogers Center is hosting an open reception for Simon on Friday, August 26 at 6 p.m. in the Outdoor Classroom at Rogers Center. Everyone is welcome to attend and offer congratulations and best wishes to Simon before he embarks on his new endeavor. Light fare and refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Heather Tehan at 607-674-4733 or email development@friendsofrogers.org.

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Currently the trails are open dawn to dusk daily, and the restrooms are open daily 7 am – 7 pm. Visitor Center is open Wednesday – Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12-4.

The mission of the Friends of Rogers is to provide outstanding educational opportunities that excite, inspire, and motivate people of all ages to enjoy, understand, appreciate, and protect our natural environment.

-Information provided by Friends of Rogers