Diocese of Southwest Florida Announces New DaySpring Executive Director

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida is delighted to announce that Brad Thompson will be the new Executive Director for DaySpring Camp and Conference Center, effective September 1, 2024.

Brad will be joining DaySpring from St. Columba Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center in Memphis, Tennessee, where he has served as the Executive Director since 2011. Under his leadership, St. Columba experienced significant growth and successfully executed a capital campaign that included a $3 Million expansion of the center’s facilities. Prior to working at St. Columba, Brad was the Director of Camp Kanuga in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for six years.

“I am deeply honored to join DaySpring Camp and Conference Center as its Executive Director,” said Brad Thompson. “I am called to create spaces where people can experience the love and acceptance of God, and I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to DaySpring. Together, we will continue to grow this incredible sacred space and expand our reach to serve even more people in the years to come.”

In Memphis, Brad has been an active member of St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church and Church of the Holy Communion. His wife serves as the Assistant Chaplain at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, where their daughter attends. Brad also served as President and Treasurer of the Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers association and is a regular presenter at its annual conferences. His passion for camps and retreat centers aligns perfectly with the vision of the Diocese of Southwest Florida to care for DaySpring as a premier center of the Episcopal Church and an integral ministry of our Diocese.

“Finding the right candidate to advance DaySpring into a vibrant period of hospitality and growth was no simple task,” said Michael Booher, CFO of the Diocese. “Brad impressed our search committee with his proven record of fiscal responsibility, creative fundraising, and fostering an environment of universal acceptance and belonging. We are thrilled to have his leadership and creative vision at the helm of DaySpring.”

We warmly welcome Brad and his wife, Mary Henry, and children, Neely (14), and Kellen (11), to our Diocese and look forward to the many blessings his leadership will bring to DaySpring Camp and Conference Center.