Chuck Houghton, who coordinates the Institute's communications and fund raising activities, came to Rensselaerville after 13 years as President of the Electric Launch Company. The company built electric motor boats and electric drives for other boat and sailboat companies. One of his designs was named “The Most Innovative Environmental Boat of 2008” by the National Marine Manufactures Association.
Prior to this, he was a principal in a corporate affairs consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. and New York providing political and community relations consulting for corporations, charitable organizations, foundations and individuals. He and his associates developed the concept of “grassroots lobbying”.
From St. Louis, he was the Executive Director of the Missouri-Illinois Bi-State Development Agency, managing the metropolitan area’s public bus system, airports, ports, municipal bonding authorities and the Gateway Arch with nearly 5,000 employees.
Previously, he was Vice President of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, responsible for encouraging civic, cultural and economic development in the greater St. Louis area.
After serving as an officer in the U. S. Navy in the Vietnam war, he was a special assistant to Senator Stuart Symington and for five years served as Administrative Assistant to Congressman James Symington. From there he was the campaign manager and finance chairman of the U.S. Senate campaign for James W. Symington of Missouri.
Chuck has been an officer, director and founder | 
