Welcome to Our Team

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School

July 10th, 2025

Joining our team: Jessica Thompson Somol and Dan Evarts 

We are pleased to announce that Jessica Thompson Somol will be joining CSIOBS as our new Chief Advancement Officer.  Jessica will oversee all fundraising endeavors, focusing on individual major gifts as well as securing support from foundations and corporate partners. Her notable expertise lies in revitalizing development teams and fostering engagement among donors and volunteers, propelling organizations to new heights.

Prior to her role at CSIOBS, Jessica was the Chief Development Officer at The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare. She holds an A.B. cum laude in Medical Anthropology from Harvard University and an MBA from The Wharton School. Outside of her professional commitments, Jessica enjoys cycling, cooking, reading, and performing with her and husband’s rock band, Offside.

Jessica’s long-standing commitment to social justice is reflected in her academic and professional journey, which includes studying in South Africa and working in rural West Virginia and Haiti. Through her previous position as Director of Development at Charles River School, she has observed the profound impact of hands-on, experiential learning, nurturing an environment where inquiry, self-agency, and outdoor exploration flourish.

We are equally excited to welcome Dan Evarts as our Chief Financial Officer. In this crucial role, Dan will be responsible for all financial operations at CSIOBS, working closely with our dedicated team. His responsibilities will encompass tracking cash flow and financial planning, reviewing existing and implementing new accounting systems, conducting economic analyses, supporting payroll, and developing innovative resource strategies for board and management.

Dan’s journey began at the age of 16 when he graduated from the Colorado Outward Bound School, where he spent 23 days hiking in the beautiful North San Juan mountains. This transformative experience, alongside a diverse group, fostered unity and personal growth, instilling in Dan a profound appreciation for diversity and teamwork. He has since remained a passionate advocate for wilderness experiences and outdoor education for youth.

Dan earned his BA in Economics and Political Science from Yale University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, specializing in Finance and International Business.

With Jessica and Dan on board, our senior management team is well-equipped to provide impactful insights and compassionate leadership. We are dedicated to utilizing innovative management tools to support our financial and strategic initiatives. Together, we are ready to create a bright and promising future for CSIOBS.