Camp People Are Our Kind of People
Meet the team behind the magic.
Executive Leadership
Matt Gilmer
Chief Executive Officer
Matt Gilmer first joined the Friendly Pines Camp team in 2016 and now serves as Chief Executive Officer. In his role, Matt helps guide the long-term vision and health of the camp while supporting the leadership team responsible for creating exceptional experiences for campers, families, and staff.
Matt believes that camp has a unique ability to help young people feel known, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves. He is deeply committed to ensuring that Friendly Pines Camp remains a place where current and future generations of campers can grow, connect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Jonathan Pierson
Chief Operating Officer
Jonathan Pierson first joined the Friendly Pines Camp team in 2012 and now serves as Chief Operating Officer. In his role, Jonathan provides leadership for camp facilities, maintenance, dining services, and capital improvement projects, helping ensure that campers and staff have a safe, comfortable, and well-supported environment each summer.
Jonathan is passionate about the community that camp creates and takes great pride in stewarding the physical spaces that make the Friendly Pines experience possible. Much of his work happens behind the scenes, where he is constantly looking for ways to improve camp, invest in the property, and support the teams that bring camp to life. He is dedicated to ensuring that Friendly Pines remains a place where campers can learn, grow, and create lifelong memories for generations to come.
Mary Gilmer
Chief Marketing Officer
Mary Gilmer grew up attending Friendly Pines Camp as a camper and first joined the staff team in 2016 as a counselor. She now serves as Chief Marketing Officer, leading marketing initiatives, storytelling, community outreach, alumni engagement, and efforts to share the mission and impact of Friendly Pines with new and returning families.
Mary believes in the life-changing power of camp and has personally experienced the confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging that can grow from a few weeks spent at camp each summer. She is passionate about helping families understand what makes Friendly Pines special and ensuring that campers, alumni, and families remain connected to the camp community for generations to come.
summer leadership team
Adam Esposito
Summer Camp Director
Adam Esposito joined Friendly Pines Camp in 2015 as a counselor and now serves as Summer Camp Director. He provides leadership for the overall camp experience, overseeing staff hiring and training, camper support, safety, and daily operations throughout the summer.
Adam works closely with campers, families, and staff to ensure every child feels welcomed, supported, and challenged to grow during their time at camp. Having spent years watching campers return summer after summer, he is passionate about creating an environment where young people can build confidence, form lasting friendships, and create memories that stay with them long after camp ends.
Eldon Orgill
Program Director
Eldon Orgill joined Friendly Pines Camp in 2022 as a counselor and now serves as Summer Program Director. He leads the team responsible for creating the daily camp experience, overseeing counselors, activities, special events, and the programs that help campers stay engaged, active, and connected.
Eldon is passionate about creating opportunities for campers to try new things, build friendships, and discover what they are capable of. His goal is to ensure that every camper leaves camp with meaningful memories, increased confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Sayaka Pierson
Business Manager & Registrar
Sayaka Pierson has been part of the Friendly Pines Camp team since 2018 and serves as Business Manager. She oversees camper registration, family communication, billing, and many of the behind-the-scenes systems that help camp run smoothly.
For many families, Sayaka is one of the first people they interact with during the camp journey. She works year-round to ensure parents have the information and support they need while helping create a smooth and positive experience from enrollment through the final day of camp..
Valerie Esposito
New Family Coordinator
Valerie Esposito first joined Friendly Pines Camp in 2013 as a counselor and now serves as New Family Coordinator. She specializes in helping first-time camp families navigate the journey to camp, answering questions, providing guidance, and ensuring both campers and parents feel prepared and confident before Opening Day.
Valerie understands that sending a child to camp is a big step for families—one filled with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of questions along the way. Her goal is to help families feel supported every step of the way while building excitement for the friendships, adventures, and personal growth that await each camper at Friendly Pines.
Ryan Burke
Ryan Burke serves as Food Service Director at Friendly Pines Camp, leading the team responsible for preparing and serving thousands of meals each summer. He oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, food safety, dietary accommodations, and the dining staff who help keep campers and staff fueled for each day’s adventures.
Ryan believes that great camp food is about more than nutrition—it’s about creating moments of comfort, community, and tradition. From beloved camp favorites to the daily rhythms of gathering around the table, he takes pride in helping make the Camp Dining Hall one of the most welcoming places at camp. His goal is simple: ensure every camper and staff member feels cared for through warm, delicious meals and memorable experiences around the table.
