The Ketcha Outdoors Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Lucia Stancioff as the organization’s new Executive Director. Stancioff brings extensive leadership and nonprofit experience to the role, with a background in environmental education, early childhood development, financial oversight, and organizational development.
Throughout her career, Stancioff has worked to ensure children have access to play-based educational experiences. Stancioff joins Ketcha Outdoors following a distinguished tenure at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), where, as Deputy Director, she played a key role in the organization’s growth and success.
“I am incredibly excited to join Ketcha Outdoors and return to the world of outdoor education,” said Lucia Stancioff. “Ketcha Outdoors’ mission to provide equitable access to outdoor experiences and gear directly aligns with my passion for equitable environmental education. I look forward to leading the team who are working hard to ensure our whole community can enjoy the benefits of nature-based experiences.”
Since 1964, Ketcha Outdoors has connected kids of all ages to nature, community, and themselves. The 107-acre campus of forests, meadows, streams, and wetlands offers summer day camps, preschool and pre-k programs, after-school care, and year-round outdoor experiences. Equally central to Ketcha’s mission is the Portland Gear Hub, a nonprofit outdoor gear and bike shop in downtown Portland that increases equitable access to the outdoors by providing affordable equipment, youth bike maintenance programs, and bikes for children and adults who might not otherwise have access.
“After an extensive search, the Ketcha Outdoors Board of Directors is thrilled that Lucia has chosen Ketcha as her next chapter,” said Karen Stanley, Board President. “With her vision, we will grow throughout our programs to impact more children at the Scarborough campus and get more bikes from Portland Gear Hub into the hands of individuals who need them.”
In a statement regarding her departure from CMTM, Stancioff highlighted the strength of the organization and its impact: “The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine has a remarkable team and community. Their work enriches the lives of countless children and families, and I look forward to seeing how the organization continues to grow; I plan to visit often with my two young children.”
Julie Butcher Pezzino, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, expressed gratitude for Stancioff’s contributions: “On behalf of the staff, board, volunteers, and community of CMTM, we thank Lucia for her 17 years of incredible service to children and families, furthering our mission to set the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play. Lucia was integral in the Museum & Theatre’s move to our new location at Thompson’s Point and laid a strong foundation of stability, focus on social-emotional learning, and belonging that will benefit the organization for years to come. We wish her and Ketcha nothing but the best in this exciting next chapter.”
Stancioff will join the Ketcha Outdoors team in November.
