Former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates Elected to National Executive Board; Will Serve as an Executive Vice President and National President-Elect

I am pleased to announce that the BSA National Executive Board elected former Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director Dr. Robert M. Gates to the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Gates will serve as a member of the board’s executive committee and as the national president-elect. This move means that upon approval of voting members of the National Council, Gates would begin a two-year term as the BSA national president in May 2014.

Dr. Robert M. Gates

I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Gates on a number of occasions and I can say he is one of our nation’s most respected public servants and a proven leader of the highest caliber. Plus, he has a deep, personal devotion to Scouting. He is a past member of the National Executive Board, past president of the National Eagle Scout Association, a distinguished Eagle Scout, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award—the highest recognition by the BSA for extraordinary service to youth.

Gates’ appointment was made upon the recommendation of national volunteer and professional leaders including the BSA national nominating committee.

Following the National Council’s approval of Dr. Gates’ two-year term as the BSA national president beginning in May 2014, Randall Stephenson, chairman and chief executive officer of AT&T Inc., has agreed to serve as the president-elect of the BSA.

For any organization, but especially the BSA, to be successful, it’s important to provide strong leaders to guide and motivate its members to achieve their mission and contribute to growth.

As a longtime Scouting professional, I have always respected our process for cultivating terrific leaders, especially for our volunteer leadership. Our succession plan for those important roles calls for fresh leaders to rotate on a regular basis, allowing for opportunities to bring in new ideas to keep Scouting ahead of the curve in our service to America’s youth.

The process for Dr. Gates’ appointment is a great example of how thoughtful, strategic succession planning can help organizations sustain a strong leadership base.

While welcoming Dr. Gates into his new leadership roles for Scouting, I would also like to commend our longtime colleague and current national president, Wayne Perry, for his service to our Scouts.

Wayne Perry

Scouting’s future is in great hands with the path laid by Wayne Perry as national president, and the strength and vision of our upcoming leaders.

Help me welcome Dr. Gates to the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board!

Wayne