A New Executive Director

Gowan, a seasoned leader in Christian camping and outdoor ministry, brings more than a decade of experience in camp operations, staff development, program design, and hospitality leadership. His appointment follows a national search and a period of interim leadership as the organization prepares for its next chapter of service and growth.

Gowan is well-acquainted with Lakeshore. A native Tennessean and former summer staff member, he served in multiple roles at the camp from 2007 to 2013, including Wilderness/Oxley Resident Counselor, Resident Counselor, Ropes Director, Wilderness Director, and Oxley Director (now Camp Hope). His professional journey since then has included leadership roles at Sumatanga Camp & Conference Center, the Memphis Jewish Community Center, and, most recently, as Director of Mingus Mountain Camp & Retreat Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

In his own words, Gowan expressed his enthusiasm: “Lakeshore is a place where lives are transformed, where all are welcomed, and where the love and grace of God are encountered in profound ways. I’m honored to return and build upon the legacy of this sacred space. I look forward to working alongside our incredible staff, board, and partners to carry Lakeshore’s mission into the future.”

Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center has served guests of all ages and backgrounds for over 75 years, offering summer camps, retreats, special needs programming, family events, and Christian hospitality on the shores of the Tennessee River. It is a covenant partner with the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church.

In his new role, Gowan will oversee all operations of the 300-bed facility and manage a team of year-round and seasonal staff. He will also guide the development of new strategic and programmatic initiatives and work closely with the Board of Directors to continue exploring American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation and broaden Lakeshore’s year-round outreach.

Gowan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is certified in ropes course facilitation, archery instruction, first aid/CPR, and camp leadership. He and his wife, Emma, also a Lakeshore alum and current administrator for the Desert Southwest Conference Camps, will live on-site with their three sons, Jonah, Henry, and Griffin.

The Board of Directors expressed confidence in Gowan’s leadership and enthusiasm for his return. Sarah Creekmore Woodall, Chair of the Lakeshore Board of Directors, stated, “This is a homecoming, not just a hiring. Jonathan brings both the operational expertise and the heart for ministry that Lakeshore needs in this season. We are thrilled to welcome him back.”