Fran Celona congratulates Brad Carlson, who is the new Mendon Foundation president. Photo provided by Mendon Foundation
Mendon Foundation, Inc., a conservation organization providing an avenue for people to preserve, protect and promote the rich natural green spaces found in the Town of Mendon and adjacent communities, has named Brad Carlson as its President effective January 1,2025.
Brad joined the Mendon Foundation in March 2024 as Land Trust Property Director and Scout Liaison. Since that time Brad quickly made a positive impact by spearheading a team of volunteers to survey and make improvements on all Mendon Foundation Land Trust Properties. New Nature Reserve signage has been designed and installed, and trail maintenance has been completed on all Mendon Foundation properties. Brad led volunteers to improve the parking lot, establish a new hiking trail, and continue the grassland preservation at the Sibleyville Nature Reserve. Brad has also been working with scout units from the surrounding communities to provide and coordinate conservation related volunteer opportunities.
Brad has spent his lifetime as an avid outdoor enthusiast enjoying hobbies ranging from bird watching, hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, fishing, skiing and scuba diving. Brad’s extensive time enjoying the outdoors has been a key driver for his passion to conserve green spaces in and around the Mendon community. Brad has also spent nearly two decades as a scout leader in the Mendon and Honeoye Falls communities. In this role, Brad has continuously shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with local youth for conservation, outdoor skills and hobbies, as well as community service.
Fran Celona, now a Past President, will continue in his roles as Treasurer of the Mendon Foundation and Race Director for the Black Diamond Express Trail Races on the Lehigh Valley Trail. Fran has served as Treasurer since 2011 and Race Director & President since 2022. Prior to 2011, Fran was the Organization’s volunteer CPA and financial advisor.
During Fran’s tenure as President, he forged strong working relationships with new leadership of the Monroe County Parks Department and with members of the Mendon Community Business Association. Among their accomplishments together were renovation of the Lehigh Valley Trail in Mendon in 2023 and new community sponsorship participation in the Black Diamond Express Trail Races.
Also in 2023, Fran led a group of approximately 65 volunteers to fill over 1,000 hours of time in one week at the PGA Championship event at Oak Hill. This type of commitment normally is handled by large charities with paid employees. In return, the Mendon Foundation received a large donation from the event, which funded the improvements to their Land Trust Properties mentioned earlier and provided much needed financial security for the Organization.
The Mendon Foundation would like to extend its appreciation to Fran Celona for the time he served as President of the organization and hopes he will stay involved for many years to come.
