Thank You, Randall Stephenson and Welcome, Jim Turley

There is no program in America that delivers the kind of leadership and character development the BSA provides to American youth. Leadership is a part of our DNA, manifesting in the lessons we teach, the lives of Scouts in our programs and also in the types of supporters and volunteers we attract. One of the great privileges of my career in Scouting is working alongside and receiving counsel from people of an incredible caliber. One such figure is Randall Stephenson, who this week will conclude his term as our 36^th National President.

I am so grateful for Randall’s service in this role for the past two years. Through his decisive leadership, the BSA made important moves to ensure that entire families can benefit from the character- and leadership-building programs of Scouting for generations to come. Randall’s vision and passion for our organization have enhanced our ability to deliver a Scouting program that is relevant to today’s youth. Working with Randall has been an honor and his impact on our movement will be felt for years to come.

Randall’s legacy gives our next leader a tremendous amount of momentum to continue moving the Boy Scouts of America into the future. Stepping into what will now be called the National Chair role is Jim Turley, whom I’d like to officially welcome as Randall’s successor.

Jim spent his 37 year career at Ernst & Young, starting in their Houston office and eventually rising to be the Global Chairman and CEO, a position he held for 12 years. He has focused on the values of quality, integrity and professionalism—values he brings to his Scouting service. Since retiring from EY in 2013, he has devoted himself to serving on corporate and charitable boards, including Citigroup, Emerson Electric, Intrexon, Northrup Grumman Corporation, Catalyst, the National Corporate Theater Fund and the board of trustees of his alma mater, Rice University.

Jim has been a member of the BSA’s National Executive Board since 2002. However, his service to our organization is much longer than his tenure on our board. He has held numerous roles at the local and national level of the BSA since 1994 and is a recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award—the highest commendation given by the BSA for extraordinary service to youth.

As our National Chair, Jim will provide oversight to the strategic plan for the BSA. I look forward to working closely with him as we invite boys and girls to Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, a milestone he supports with great conviction, as evidenced by a remark he recently made to me: “If we truly believe Scouting is the best program to deliver character- and leadership-development skills—and of course, we do—how can we in good conscience exclude half the population from these important opportunities?” 

In his time as a member of our board, Jim consistently has shared a strong vision for the future of the BSA and a deep commitment to providing more families—and all kids—access to the very best character and leadership development program available. His business acumen and his character will be quite an asset to our movement during his two year term as National Chair. I have no doubt he will ensure our national organization equips our local councils with the right tools and resources they need to successfully execute our strategic plan.

Please join me in thanking both of these gentlemen for their commitment to our movement, and in welcoming Jim to his new role.

Yours in Scouting,

Mike