Get to Know Roger Quarles and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation

​The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAF) is a Boise-based, private family foundation committed to the vision of making Idaho a place to learn, thrive, and prosper. Since its inception in 1966, the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation has given over $732 million, focusing in the areas of learning, community, and awareness. The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation honors the legacy of Joe and Kathryn Albertson, founders of the Albertsons grocery store; however, not to be confused with Albertsons, LLC.

​Over the last few years, the foundation has committed significant resources to grow world-class recreational opportunities in Idaho through projects like Rhodes Skate Park, the Boise Whitewater Park, and by providing the lead gift to help Bogus Basin meet their fundraising goal for their $20 million, 10-year master plan. Most recently, the foundation announced they will be working in partnership with the City of Boise to bring a state-of-the-art bike skills park to mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.

In an effort to learn more about the foundation's executive director, Roger Quarles, and gain insight into what makes it thrive, we sat down with the man himself and asked a few questions of our own. 

Q&A with Executive Director ​Roger Quarles

What is your favorite film?
“Tombstone”

What is the best book you’ve read recently?
“The Motivation Myth”

What sport do you enjoy watching most?
College basketball

Who is the most interesting historical figure?
Abraham Lincoln

​What is your favorite hobby or thing to do during the weekend?
Play tennis

Favorite Idaho escape?
Hunting in October

​Favorite place in Boise to take a visitor? 
Idaho Botanical Garden for a concert

What is the most important trend in your business or industry?
Artificial intelligence and automation

What is the best advice you’ve received?
‘You can be right, or you can be in a relationship — you pick.’

Who is a local business or business person you admire?
Bill Whitacre

What is the No. 1 reason to do business with your company or organization?
We believe in supporting world-class leaders working on world-class projects.

What do you enjoy most about your company or organization? 
The incredible team we have at the Foundation and working with the Scott family

Tell us about a current or upcoming project or company-wide initiative.
We believe there is a huge upside in the way of reimagining school, by being able to support the creation and development of One Stone, the only tuition-free, independent, student-led school in the world — right here in Boise, Idaho.

Launched in 2016, the school’s three-year program empowers students to learn and practice 21st century skills through experimental service, innovative initiatives, and social entrepreneurship. Student work is rooted in design thinking, a creative problem-solving and innovation discovery process developed at Stanford University’s d.school. Using design thinking, students uncover new ideas that allow them to disrupt for good, improving the status quo for lasting change. One Stone currently serves 71 students in the school. (OneStone.org)

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