Jon Corkern, NARO National Executive Director
Jon earned his degree in Forestry from Louisiana Tech University. He began his career as a Park Naturalist educating visitors of the local fauna & flora of Northwest Louisiana. He often would collaborate as a Park Naturalist with the local Boy Scout Council, which led to him being offered a position with Boy Scouts of America.
Jon spent 16 years with the Boy Scouts of America where he developed a strong background in membership and development. During his tenure with the Boy Scouts, he was honored to receive several career advancements, as well as recognition for membership and development. Though grateful for these recognitions, his most cherished memories while working for the BSA were serving as Summer Camp Director for 6 years and receiving the Vigil Honor Award.
After leaving the Boy Scouts, Jon then began serving as Membership and Development Director for the American Rose Society, where he served two years in this position. Because of his success in this position, he was later promoted to Executive Director of the American Rose Society. While serving as Executive Director, he oversaw the Great Garden Restoration capital campaign which raised over $2 million dollars of capital improvements to the Gardens of the American Rose Center. Jon is also proud of his family. He is married to the beautiful Mrs. Shelly Corkern; they have one son, Andrew Stroud. Jon is very excited to join the NARO team and looks forward to being a part of its prosperous future!
