Mount Hermon Christian Camps and Conference Center Chief Executive Officer Roger Williams passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14 after a near-three-year battle with cancer.
Williams, who was 67, served as Mount Hermon’s CEO for a 21-year tenure which saw a massive expansion of the conference center, facilities, camps, and programs.
According to Chief Operating Officer Alden Johanson, who has filled in as acting CEO intermittently during Williams’ illness, said that he has been asked by Mount Hermon’s board of directors to serve in the role one more time as the search for a permanent replacement begins.
“We had two-and-a-half years of warning to deal with that possibility,” he said. “It was very natural that this happened one more time.”
Johanson applauded Williams’ achievements during his time as CEO, including the acquisition of the Felton Meadow property, as well as the Kidder Creek and Paso Robles Whisper Canyon camps.
Williams’ tenure also saw the construction of Mount Hermon’s facilities and programs that attract an estimated 70,000 people a year, including the massive Field House and the introduction of the popular Redwood Canopy Tours and the outdoor science program.
Johanson said that he did not foresee any rough patches during the transitional period in leadership.
“We have a very strong chain of leadership at Mount Hermon and we’re capable of carrying on the existing ministry at a high level,” he said. “Roger set us up for success in that way.”
A memorial fund in Williams’ name has been launched. According to the Mount Hermon website, contributions will be used to “achieve the envisioned future (for Mount Hermon) that Williams has articulated for those who follow.”
Information about memorial services and other remembrances of Williams have not yet been made available, but when they are announced, they will be made available at mounthermon.org/roger-williams.
