Mote Announces New Director of Volunteer Resources
Mote Marine Laboratory is pleased to announce that Robert Rogers — a skilled professional in volunteer management who is committed to environmental conservation — has been selected as Mote’s Director of Volunteer Resources.
Rogers came to Mote after serving since 2011 as Director of Volunteer Services at Feeding America Southwest Virginia. He also has ties to Sarasota. From 2009-2011 he was a Program Specialist in the volunteer department of John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and in 2005 and 2006 he worked with Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers.
A native of Charleston, S.C., Rogers studied Art History at The College of Charleston and New York University. Raised in an environment with a strong sense of civic responsibility, he began volunteering at an early age and remained committed to community service and collaboration throughout his career in the arts in South America, Europe and the United States. He transitioned to volunteer leadership by working as an organizer for the 1996 Summer Olympics and then leading the volunteer program for AIDS Walk Atlanta in 1997. He has also facilitated the distribution of 60 million pounds of food for Feeding America in Roanoke, Va. during the past three years.
In his role at Mote, Rogers is excited to continue his personal missions in a community he loves.
“The opportunity to work with Mote Marine Laboratory combines my passion for volunteerism with my commitment to environmental conservation,” Rogers said. “I consider it a privilege to connect the incredibly generous members of this community with an organization whose mission supports our ocean environments — one of the main reasons we have chosen to live here. Preserving, understanding and sharing the natural beauty that surrounds us depends on the dedication and extraordinary efforts of our volunteers.”
Mote’s 1,600 volunteers contribute more than 200,000 hours of service each year in positions ranging from Aquarium docents and greeters to assistants in research, education, animal care and administration.
“It takes an exceptional leader to guide our diverse and talented group of volunteers, and it is clear that Robert has the experience, enthusiasm and aptitude to help this dedicated group of people do maximum good for our oceans and our community,” said Mote’s President and CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby.