Meet our team
Camp Fire Leadership
Barb Dunnam (She/Her)
executive director
Barb joined Camp Fire in 2015 as our Executive Director, bringing with her over 30 years of youth development leadership and a deep passion for connecting youth to themselves and the outdoors. As a Brooklyn Girl and an Army Brat, Barb has traipsed and travelled all over the world while camping, hiking, rolling down hills, and jumping in piles of leaves. Since the very first time her Grandma crossed her into Prospect Park in Brooklyn at the age of 7, Barb has been most at home outside. Growing up, if she wasn’t found outside playing she could be found with a book in her hand or playing stickball with the boys.
Barb began working with youth as a HS student and never stopped. She followed her military spouse from post to post, raised her children, and worked with kids and families wherever she went. Barb always made sure that whatever job she had, her own kids were welcome to be with her. Prior to Camp Fire, Barb began a youth organization in NW Arkansas that made sure that youth had access to high quality outdoor adventures and a place to belong.
Barb holds a Masters in Non-Profit Administration from North Park University in Chicago along with multiple advanced certificates in finance, fundraising, human resources, and is a Certified Non-Profit Professional.
Barb and her family are active in the Central Texas Pig Rescue Community and can frequently be found driving piggies to new homes or rescuing those in need.
Annette Cooper
(She/Her)
Director of operations & finance
Having worked in nonprofit accounting and operations for over 20 years, and in the accounting field for over 25 years, Annette’s experience includes accounting, bookkeeping, audit preparation and follow-up, 990 preparation, budget preparation, financial analysis and forecasting, cash flow analysis, and an understanding of the many nuances of GAAP and nonprofit financial accounting.
Annette’s main job title has always been Finance and/or Operations Director, but the list of her non-official job titles include: HR Manager, Janitor, Camp Counselor, Direct Care staff, and the biggest part of the job has always been “Other Duties as Assigned”.
Annette has three children and was blessed to raise her youngest in Camp Fire. She has cherished memories of Grand Council Fires, Family Campouts, kayaking and hiking together with her now 18-year-old and Camp Fire family. She now enjoys trips with her grown children to outdoor destinations that include opportunities to commune with nature.
Annette thrives in the outdoors and her happy place is Summer Camp at Emma Long. During summer camp, Annette strives to share her love of the outdoors with each camper.
John Sansone (He/Him)
Program director
John Sansone is an educator and outdoor enthusiast with a background in Environmental Science. Growing up in New England, he developed a love for the outdoors at an early age and spent much of his time exploring forests, hiking mountains, and spending time on the water. John discovered his passion for youth development when he was hired as an Afterschool Instructor with Camp Fire. After teaching in a classroom and at summer camp, he was promoted to a Program Director and Camp Director position, where he oversees the Camp Fire Afterschool programs and the Camp Balcones Summer Camp. In his spare time, John can be found hiking, taking photos, traveling, or reading a book in his hammock.
Chris Ledesma (He/Him)
Program Coordinator
Chris is an educator, visual artist, musician, and geographer who enjoys finding out where a dry creek bed will take him and what’s at the top of the next hill. He began as an instructor at Camp Fire, and now is the Site Coordinator for the afterschool program at Hart Elementary. He also oversees the Play to Learn program, which provides a stimulating early childhood learning space to children ages 2-5 alongside their parents, helping caretakers understand the importance of play in developing young minds.
Camp Fire Board of Directors
Dawn Evans, Owner of Synergy Skin Care Spa
Shannon Chandler, Coyote Logistics
Carah-Beth Bass, Allison, Bass and Magee, LLC
Debbie Zabica, American Red Cross
Nicole Renaux, Pioneer Wealth Management Group