Peter Allen Lewis, the Founder and President of Apple Ridge Farm, Inc., is retiring after 40 years of service, and his son, John Russell Faulkner Lewis, has been hired to step into the role of Executive Director.
“The Board of Directors is ecstatic to have John transition into the role of Executive Director of Apple Ridge Farm,” said Melinda J. Payne, Board Chair. “With Peter as his mentor, John is sure to blaze new trails.”
John Lewis comes to Apple Ridge with more than 17 years of experience working with inner-city youth in the public schools, community, outdoor education and recreational settings. He has served as a Certified Prevention and Health Education Specialist for the Virginia Department of Health in Richmond and Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, where he developed prevention and educational programs for at-risk youth.
John is also the founder and former Executive Director of Renew Richmond, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable living practices, increased access to fresh, healthy produce and enhanced nutrition education in low-income communities. His work experience has been deeply rooted in organizations that focus on improving conditions for children living at or below the poverty level.
John’s proclivity for helping the disadvantaged was established while he worked as a camp counselor and mentor at Apple Ridge Farm from 1999-2004.
“I can’t begin to tell you what it means to me to be afforded this opportunity to lead Apple Ridge,” said John Lewis. “The organization would not be where it is today without Peter’s vision, devotion and organizational proficiency…. I learned from and continue to lead by his example.”
Peter Lewis, who credits his mother for instilling in him a missionary spirit, moved to the Roanoke area from Washington, DC, in 1975. Soon after moving he purchased a 96-acre apple farm where the camp and conference center now resides. Like both of his parents, Peter was an educator for 34 years. He has worked as a teacher, physical education instructor, coach and was the co-founder, Assistant Principal and Principal of the first alternative education school for troubled students in Roanoke City, present day Noel C. Taylor Academy. He retired from Roanoke City Public Schools in June 2000. It is his belief in adults needing to take responsibility for guiding young people in a positive direction that led him to establish the camp.
“Apple Ridge has given me so much joy,” he said. “I will always have a penchant for this place and I’m truly fortunate to have a son who is following in my footsteps.”
A retirement party/fundraiser is being planned for Peter in November of this year.
