Gene hails from Pencil Bluff, AR, and has a degree from Arkansas Tech and graduate study at the University of Arkansas. He began working at Camp Ozark in 1976 while still in High School. In 1985, Gene joined Sam and Susan Torn on Permanent Staff for their inaugural year as owners of Camp Ozark, serving as the camp Program Director. Except for a short stint in the Peace Corp, Gene has worked at Camp Ozark every summer since 1976. As Deputy Managing Director, Gene is involved in many different areas of camp operations, perhaps chief among them being his oversight of the entire Camp Ozark facility, including year-round maintenance and new construction. Gene also oversees all Mount Ida office operations, including camper registration. Gene has a gift for managing complex projects, complimented by his extraordinary attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to getting things right for the campers. Gene loves the challenges of working at Camp Ozark, and is particularly passionate about creating new attractions the campers will love. Growing up in Arkansas, Gene has long had a passion for the outdoors and hunting. Gene also loves garage sales and auctions, and is always on the prowl for the next great find. Gene met his wife, Amy, at Camp Ozark when they were both members of the summer staff. Married in 1988, they have 3 children – Ginny, Callie and Will. Gene and Amy are both very active with their family, as well as with their local community. Gene serves as a deacon in their church, a school board member, a youth group leader, and as Arkansas’ biggest Razorback basketball and baseball fan.