Bob Gates Becomes Scouting’s Highest-Ranking Volunteer

A while back, I shared some exciting news — that former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Dr. Robert Gates would be joining the executive committee of the National Board of Directors, serving a two-year term as national president and our highest ranking volunteer. I just had the pleasure of shaking his hand to officially welcome him to Scouting’s national leadership team.

Dr. Robert Gates // Photo courtesy of Scouting Magazine

I have worked with Dr. Gates on a number of occasions and found him to have a deep, personal devotion to Scouting. He brings tremendous vision and passion to allow Scouting to continue to focus on providing extraordinary service to America’s young people.

Along with being one of this nation’s most trusted public servants, Dr. Gates brings solid credentials to this national leadership role for Scouting, having served as past member of the National Executive Board and past president of the National Eagle Scout Association. A distinguished Eagle Scout, Dr. Gates is a recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award, the highest commendation given by the BSA for extraordinary service to youth. He is also a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, the highest mark of distinction and recognition for those with exceptional service and unselfish interests.

Make sure you read the interview with Dr. Gates that appears on Page 4 in the online version of the May-June issue of Scouting magazine. He discusses his vision for bringing more life-changing experiences to America’s youth and continuing to grow our programs for preparing young people to be great citizens and outstanding leaders.

Me on the right with Wayne Perry // Photo courtesy of BSA

Our outgoing national President Wayne Perry leaves a tremendous legacy to help take Scouting into the next century. His personal time and investment in making the 2013 National Jamboree a success, coupled with the launch of The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve last year, will be a lasting tribute to what’s important for our Scouts. We now have a new venue to extend our ability to teach more about the outdoors, give our Scouts the confidence and skills to be great leaders, and be a showplace for the nation of what Scouting can offer in serving America’s young people. We salute Wayne Perry for his service to Scouting and commitment to our mission.

Scouting’s future continues to be in great hands. We have the leadership, guidance and motivation in place to achieve our mission to provide life-changing experiences to our Scouts that are unique and attainable. We welcome Dr. Gates and look forward to how his passion for Scouting will translate into many new adventures for America’s young people.

For more on this story, visit Scouting Newsroom.

Thanks!

Wayne