Experienced nonprofit leader brings financial, governance expertise to role

CONTACT: Raymond Bonwell, rbonwell@adirondackroots.org, (518) 873-6888

ELIZABETHTOWN—Adirondack Roots announced its Board of Directors has appointed Raymond Bonwell as its new executive director following a 10-month nationwide search.

Bonwell joins the nonprofit housing group following a term as the interim head of staff of Arch Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he managed three different organizations maintaining $40 million in assets.

Raymond Bonwell joined Adirondack Roots as executive director in October 2026.

Over his 20 years working with several nonprofits, Bonwell has extensive experience managing grants. At Arch Street, he led a fast-track effort to renew a $1 million state grant in danger of cancellation, and he worked closely with a $9.6 million housing grant program that distributed awards to over 300 recipients at another organization.

In addition, he has served on 15 different boards and attended over 300 meetings—many as chair or secretary—giving him extensive insight into effective board operations.

“Raymond has the expertise to help Adirondack Roots grow and reach even more people at a time when the housing crisis in our region remains one of our most pressing challenges,” said Emily Politi, president of Adirondack Roots’ Board of Directors. “And while the board was impressed by his strengths in financial management and his creativity in attracting funding, we were equally drawn to his proven work leading teams and building board engagement.”

Before joining Arch Street, Bonwell served as interim executive director at the Louisville Institute in Kentucky; corporate secretary for the Board of Pensions in Philadelphia; and as director of continuing education for the Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. He has also owned his own consulting firm and, in his first career, spent 12 years as an investment advisor.

Bonwell first visited the Adirondacks over 20 years ago and purchased a home in the area with his wife in 2022. “I’ve come to love this region and its beauty, but I also recognize the challenges we face in making sure it remains livable and affordable,” Bonwell said. “Over my career, one of the things I’m proudest of is bringing different constituencies together to work on solutions. My goal is always to be collaborative, not combative. I’m so excited for the opportunity to meet with everybody playing a role in sustainable housing here, and to explore creative, effective ways to meet this moment.”

Bonwell started at Adirondack Roots on October 5. He succeeds Caitlin Wargo, who led the organization on an interim basis since September 2025. She stepped away from the organization following the transition, concluding three years of service.

“We’re so grateful for Caitlin’s contributions as she guided us through a period of uncertainty and change,” Politi said. “It’s a testament to her leadership skills that Adirondack Roots was able to move forward over the past year and launch projects such as the Both Meadow Trail neighborhood, rather than just standing still.”

About Adirondack Roots

Adirondack Roots is dedicated to building vital and sustainable communities by helping individuals and families put down roots and stay in the North Country. The non-profit organization develops and preserves quality, affordable housing and helps community members obtain and maintain safe, secure homes through education, advocacy and support services.