Don Carpenter

Don is a visionary leader with over 35 years of experience in youth development and senior management, dedicated to relationship-centered leadership. With an engaging and optimistic personality, he has been at the forefront of social enterprise, developing impactful projects, organizations, and community-based strategies that empower young people to thrive.
His journey into youth development began in the summer of 1989 when he traveled to Camden, New Jersey to live and work with inner-city youth. This transformative experience inspired him to return to his hometown of Pittsburgh to build his first youth-centered initiative. In the late 90’s, Don moved to Maine and founded Trekkers, Inc., where he developed an evidence-based, award-winning six-year mentoring model and led the organization for 18 years.

Currently, Don is the Executive Director of the Rural Futures Fund, a philanthropic foundation dedicated to addressing the aspirations challenge in rural communities through long-term investment in the youth of rural Maine. Here, he co-created the Aspirations Incubator, a Maine initiative partnering with schools and youth organizations to provide long-term mentorship and skill-building, starting in 7th grade. The program promotes belonging, curiosity, and resilience through community engagement, experiential learning, and comprehensive support, with the goal of expanding this model across rural communities.

He also serves as the co-founder and board president of the Rural Youth Institute, a "think and do tank" that empowers organizations and professionals with effective strategies to enhance the aspirations of rural youth. In addition, Don runs his own consulting company, coaching executive leaders and offering a wide suite of services to nonprofits to help them become more mission-aligned.

Believing that programs, institutions, and companies don't change lives—but the relationships within them do—Don has dedicated his life to building connections through innovative, student-centered youth development organizations. A proven change agent with an entrepreneurial spirit, passionate inner drive, and solid business instincts, he continues to inspire and lead with authenticity.

Don lives on the St. George peninsula in mid-coast Maine with his wife, Sheryl.