Dear Camp Billings Family,
After an extensive national search that yielded applications from 43 qualified candidates from around the country, the Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Yutaka Tamura as Camp Billings’ first full-time Executive Director. Yutaka will begin his transition immediately, serving as Executive Director-Elect and Senior Advisor for Community Engagement through the summer of 2026, before assuming the full-time Executive Director role in late August 2026.
Yutaka’s connection to Billings runs deep. He first arrived on the shores of Lake Fairlee at age 13, just a year after moving from Japan to the United States. Over the years—as a camper, counselor, Boys’ Senior Row Head, Co-Head of Athletics, and board member—he has embodied the Billings spirit. Camp has long been a second home to him, shaping his values, friendships, and leadership journey.
Yutaka brings over 25 years of leadership experience in education, youth development, and nonprofit management. Most recently, as the Founding Executive Director of the nationally recognized nonprofit nXu, he led the creation of a K–12 purpose, durable-skills, and wellbeing curriculum that earned CASEL’s highest endorsement for its research-based impact. Under his leadership, nXu raised over $8 million in philanthropic support and partnered with schools and youth programs across 20+ states, reaching more than 15,000 students last school year.
Previously, Yutaka founded Excel Academy Charter Schools in Boston—now one of Massachusetts’s highest-performing public school networks—where he expanded the organization to four campuses and led a team of more than 70 educators. He also served as Chief Operating Officer at Relay Graduate School of Education, Interim Dean of Students at The Cambridge School of Weston, where he oversaw the student culture and residential program, and Associate Dean of Students at Explo, a residential summer camp program based at Yale University, where he gained valuable experience in youth culture and community building.
Across all these roles, Yutaka has demonstrated an exceptional ability to design transformative learning experiences, lead with empathy, and build strong, mission-driven organizations focused on the personal development of young people. He has also remained deeply committed to staying directly connected to young people and fostering communities of belonging—values that lie at the heart of Camp Billings.
As Executive Director-Elect and Senior Advisor for Community Engagement, Yutaka will partner with the Board this school year to advance key priorities and prepare for his transition into full leadership. He will also play an active role in supporting camper enrollment and strengthening our outreach efforts for Summer 2026. In addition, he will collaborate closely with Anne and Sean Collins, who will continue as Camp Directors through the end of Summer 2026. This thoughtful, intentional transition will allow Yutaka to spend significant time onsite next summer, continuing to collaborate with Anne and Sean and ensuring a smooth and purposeful change in leadership grounded in the traditions and values that have defined Camp Billings for generations.
As Executive Director, Yutaka will build upon the strong foundation laid by those who came before him—Ralph Lawrence, John and Anne Freitas, Bob Green, and, most recently, Anne and Sean Collins. We are deeply grateful to Anne and Sean for their seven years as Directors and their combined 59 summers of dedication, leadership, and love for Billings. As they continue to lead camp through next summer, their steady stewardship and deep care for our community will ensure a seamless transition and leave a lasting legacy that will shape Billings for generations to come.
Yutaka’s vision for Billings honors our cherished traditions while embracing the opportunities of the future. He is deeply committed to ensuring that Camp Billings continues to be a place where every camper feels connected, seen, and inspired. As Yutaka shared:
“I am truly humbled by the opportunity to guide the Camp Billings community and to help carry forward its 119-year tradition of fun, friendship, and adventure on the shores of Lake Fairlee. Camp shaped who I am, and I look forward to ensuring that Billings continues to be a place filled with laughter, discovery, and lifelong friendships, where every child can build the confidence and independence to thrive.”
Please join me and the Board in welcoming Yutaka Tamura back home to Lake Fairlee. We are deeply excited for the next chapter in Camp Billings’ growth and evolution under his leadership.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Andy Schneider
President, Board of Directors
