New executive director named for 107-year-old Geneva Point Center

MOULTONBOROUGH ― The Geneva Point Center board of directors is pleased to announce that Christy Mackie will serve as the organization’s next executive director. Mackie will succeed Peter Claypoole, who is retiring in May after 17 years.

“Leading a nonprofit conference center and camp like Geneva Point Center that has more than a century of history and serves a very diverse range of people and nonprofit groups takes an exceptional individual with a unique set of skills,” said board vice president Marcus Weeks. “We’ve had the benefit of Peter’s leadership since 2009 and are very fortunate to have Christy as our next director.”

Mackie joined the Geneva Point Center staff in 2017 as operations director. Her chief role has been to manage and work to ensure a great experience for all our guests, as well as Geneva Point’s team of staff and volunteers. In addition to hiring and overseeing training for the team required to manage the extensive facility, her responsibilities included coordinating with the many different groups that use Geneva Point Center.

“Geneva Point Center is truly one of the most stunning places I've ever been to. Yet, what truly sets it apart for me is the amazing community of staff, volunteers, our board of directors, and the many nonprofit group leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with,” said Mackie.

The diversity and impact of the people who come to Geneva Point Center is wide.

“One week it could be camp for families with kids who have hemophilia. Another week could be groups involved in wilderness first aid and rescue, old growth forests, or geology. It could be nonprofit groups having three-day to week-long camps on music or dancing. At other times, it could be an artist’s retreat or a group of people focused on conflict resolution, meditation, religious studies, yoga, or even a family reunion,” she explained.

“We offer an incredible natural environment that invites relaxation and self-reflection. Few places provide the opportunity to create a truly unique experience, all while receiving exceptional support and service."

Providing the welcoming and supportive environment to make all of this happen involves interacting with many groups, staff, volunteers and supporters, as well as managing sometimes challenging weather conditions can sometimes be tough, “but Christy’s dealt with it all,” said Peter Claypoole, who has been Geneva Point’s executive director since 2009.

“Her earlier experiences leading expeditions in the Himalayas, managing teams at large resorts, and working in fundraising for nonprofits made her someone I wanted on our team,” he reflected. “With Christy as executive director, our staff, our committed board of directors, and many fabulous volunteers and supporters, I know I’ll be leaving Geneva Point Center in great hands.”

Retiring from Geneva Point Center is both a happy and sad event for Claypoole, who became executive director in 2009 after running camps and conference centers in Michigan, Minnesota, and Maine.

“It’s been a truly amazing experience with an incredible group of people. I am astounded by what we accomplished together and grateful to have been part of it. I’ve met thousands of wonderful people from all over the world, and so many of them have headed out into the wider world to make positive impacts on their families and communities. I will miss all of that and the sheer beauty of Geneva Point’s historic buildings and 184 acres setting on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. However, I am really looking forward to my first summer off in over 40 years,” he said with a laugh.

“As I walk around Geneva Point Center, it’s easy to see the physical accomplishments like the restoration of our historic barn, the renovation of so many cabins, the walking trails, memorial garden and so much more,” reflects Claypoole. “But what you don’t see, and what I will carry with me for the rest of my days, is memories of the incredible staff, volunteers, supporters, guests, and so many friends, and the kindness, laughter, collaboration, and deep resolve of so many people to make the world a better place.”

Geneva Point Center, located in Moultonborough is a unique nonprofit conference center and summer camp located on Lake Winnipesaukee that hosts nonprofit groups and organizations that nurture families and children, promote healthy living and address important health issues, foster positive communities, respect the environment, inspire learning and spiritual growth, or celebrate the arts.

More information is available at GenevaPoint.org.