Trailblazers is the online digest of BSA personnel changes, including recent hires and promotions. If you have personnel changes to report, please email internal.communications@scouting.org with “Trailblazers” in the subject line.

APRIL 2013

Thomas Harrington Named Regional Director, Western Region
Thomas R. Harrington has been appointed to the position of Regional Director, Western Region, effective August 1, 2013. Tom has been serving as the Scout Executive of the Cradle of Liberty Council, Philadelphia, PA since 2010.  Under Tom’s leadership, the Cradle of Liberty team has attained traditional membership growth and a balanced operating budget for each of the past three years. The council has expanded its outreach to underserved communities and increased the diversity of its executive board and staff, and successfully increased its Journey to Excellence rating from Silver in 2010 to Gold Council status for 2011 and 2012.

Tom’s career began in 1981, serving in several field positions with the Chicago Area Council, Chicago, IL and continued in 1992 when he was promoted to Assistant Scout Executive of the Great Trail Council, Akron, Ohio. In 1996 Tom was selected as Scout Executive of the Jayhawk Area Council, Topeka, KS and in 2001 the Board of the Minsi Trails Council, Lehigh Valley, PA selected Tom as their Scout Executive.

Tom is an Eagle Scout and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and is a Cum Laude graduate of Miami University of Ohio. Tom and his wife Kathy have two grown children, including an Eagle Scout son.  Tom enjoys golf, fishing and outdoor activities, and is looking forward to joining with the Western Region volunteers and staff in continuing to deliver quality Scouting experiences to all young people.

Louisiana Purchase Council Welcomes Shane Cooley
Shane Cooley has been named Scout executive for the Louisiana Purchase Council in Monroe, Louisiana, effective April 1, 2013.  Shane has served the Southeast Louisiana Council since August 2009. Prior to his moving to New Orleans, he served as the program director for the West Tennessee Area Council in Jackson, Tennessee, for four years. He began his Scouting career as a district executive with the Pine Burr Area Council in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and during his time there he was promoted to field director.

 

New Hires
Jill Huska, Store Manager, York Scout Shop (April 16, 2013)
Gail Karas, Store Manager, Jacksonville Scout Shop (April 16, 2013)
Kristina Lucas, Program Assistant (April 15, 2013)
Dani Gulledge, Team Leader, Customer Service Management, National Distribution Center (April 8, 2013)

Promotions
Pamela Youngs, Store Manager, Scout Shop Central (April 16, 2013)
Patricia Bowman, Administrative Assistant (April 1, 2013)
Lisa Marie Cristiano, Assoc. Program Administration Specialist (April 1, 2013)

MARCH 2013

New Major Gifts Director, BSA Foundation

Christopher M. Redo, MBA, DFRE has joined the BSA Foundation as a Major Gifts Director, as of March 1, 2013.  Chris will be based in southern California, where his work will center on BSA Foundation fundraising partnerships with local councils and other major gift development priorities. Most recently, Chris served as a senior member of the university advancement team at the University of California (Irvine) where his responsibilities included the areas of Planned Giving, Annual Programs, Donor Relations, Special Events, and Stewardship, along with Major Gift Campaign leadership. Prior to this, Chris served successfully as the chief development officer at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, where he led a multi-cultural development team situated on five continents to the successful conclusion of a $300M comprehensive campaign.

Chris has also served with distinction at San Diego State University (SDSU) where he was Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts & Special Projects.  Before entering the nonprofit sector, Chris held a senior financial management position at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).  He serves on the board of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation and previously served as a board member of the San Diego chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Chris holds a B.A. (Political Science) and a MBA (Management) from the University of San Diego.  He initially joined the British Boy Scouts as a youth while living on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean.  When his family moved to Clark AFB in the Philippine Islands, Chris joined the BSA.  Chris and his family reside in Chula Vista where both boys are active members of the BSA.

Crossroads of America Council Welcomes Patrick Sterrett
Patrick W. Sterrett has been named the new Scout executive for the Crossroads of America Council, Indianapolis, Indiana, effective April 8, 2013. Patrick began his career as a district executive before being promoted to senior district executive and later finance director in the Daniel Webster Council, Manchester, New Hampshire. After much success, he became endowment director, director of finance services, and director of field service in the Baltimore Area Council, Bethesda, Maryland. He was promoted to Scout executive in the Del-Mar-Va Council, Wilmington, Delaware, before becoming an area director within the Northeast Region.

Patrick, an Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Vigil member, enjoys golfing, hiking, swimming, running, traveling, attending church activities, and coaching youth sports. What Patrick loves most is spending time with his wife, Lori, and their three sons, Michael (Eagle Scout), Travis, and Zach. He is a graduate of Susquehanna University with a bachelor’s degree in information systems.

Hawkeye Area Council Welcomes Sarah Dawson
Sarah Dawson has been selected as the new Scout executive for the Hawkeye Area Council, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, effective March 1, 2013.  Sarah began her career as district executive in the Winnebago Council in Waterloo, Iowa. She then served successfully as district director and field director in the Bay Lakes Council in Appleton, Wisconsin, prior to being promoted to assistant director of development for the Northern Star Council in St. Paul, Minnesota. After much success, Sara became the director of field service in the Pikes Peak Council in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

 

East Texas Area Council Welcomes Dewayne Stephens
Michael Dewayne Stephens has been named the new Scout executive for the East Texas Area Council in Tyler, Texas, effective March 1, 2013. Dewayne began his professional Scouting career at the Texas Trails Council in Abilene, Texas, as a district executive before moving to Brownwood, Texas, where he served as district executive and senior district executive. He was promoted to serve as district director and later to finance director within the Circle Ten Council. After much success, Dewayne moved on to serve as Scout executive at the Black Warrior Council in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Dewayne is a graduate of Tarleton State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Dewayne and his wife, Theresa, along with their three children, look forward to continuing their journey in their home state of Texas.

Promotions

Brooke Sheree Parkinson, Sr. Program Administration Specialist, Learning for Life (March 16, 2013)
Holly Watson, Office Assistant, National Distribution Center (March 16, 2013)
Faisal Rajani, Interim Investment Portfolio CIO (March 15, 2013)

New Hires

Chris Walsh, Assistant Distribution Center Manager (March 16, 2013)
Reynaldo Barrientes, Sr. Maintenance Technician (March 4, 2013)
Cynthia Abbot, Sr. Warehouse Associate (March 1, 2013)

Retirements

Lee Mullin, Properties, Facilities and Administration, 29 years of service (effective March 1, 2013)
Barbara Follis, Properties, Facilities and Administration, 30 years of service (effective April 1, 2013)

FEBRUARY 2013

Los Angeles Area Council Welcomes Chuck Keathley
Charles “Chuck” Keathley has been named the new Scout executive for the Los Angeles Area Council in Los Angeles, California, effective Feb. 1, 2013. Chuck began his professional Scouting career at the Atlanta Area Council in Atlanta, Georgia, serving as an assistant district executive, and was later promoted to district executive, senior district executive, field director, and on to director of field service. After much success, he was promoted to Scout executive/CEO of the Erie Shores Council in Toledo, Ohio, and on to assistant regional director of operations for the Central Region when it was located in Naperville, Illinois.

He relocated to Irving, Texas, to work at the national office, where he became a department manager, leading Mission Impact, and was later promoted to group director of the Council Impact Group, leading the Mission, Finance, Membership, and Program Impact departments as well as the subsidiary corporation Learning for Life. Chuck is a graduate of Oakland University with a degree in economics and management. Chuck enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, and their daughter, Adrienne.

Lee Shaw Promoted to Team Leader, Community Alliances
We are also pleased to announce the promotion of Lee Shaw to the position of team lead for Community Alliances in the Membership Impact Department, effective on Feb. 1, 2013. Lee began his professional Scouting career as a district executive in Columbus, Ohio, in 1990. He has held various positions, including district director, field director, and chief operating officer. In 2004, Lee was named interim CEO in Columbus, Ohio. In 2005, he resumed his role as COO and served in that capacity until he joined the National Council in Irving, Texas, in November 2008. In his first assignment as the Multicultural Markets business development specialist, Lee focused on organizational diversity. In 2010, Lee assumed the position of senior business development specialist in the Community Alliances Team.

Lee served on the United Way of Central Ohio Education Committee and was recognized in the Who’s Who in Black Columbus (Ohio) publication for his role in community leadership. In 2012, Lee was published in the National Urban Leagues State of Black America publication. He has served on numerous other boards focusing on youth advocacy.
Lee is a United States Army Scholar Athlete of the Year recipient; a past Pennsylvania state commander of the Sons of the American Legion; a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and a wellness coach. In 2011, he earned his certification as a technical trainer from Langevin Learning Services. Lee is a graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in history. Lee and his wife, Paulla, have three children.

Promotions

Ryan Larson, Business Development Specialist (Feb. 19, 2013)
Robert DiBiagio, Sales Associate, Baltimore Scout Shop (Feb. 16, 2013)
Debra Straker, Store Manager, W.D. Boyce Scout Shop (Feb. 16, 2013)
Cynthia Polman, Sr. Program Administration Specialist (Feb. 16, 2013)
Karen Berg, Trading Post Specialist, Northern Tier (Feb. 1, 2013)
Matthew Rendahl, Assoc. Program Administration Specialist, Northern Tier (Feb. 1, 2013)
Aaron English, Sales Associate, National Capital Scout Shop (Feb. 1, 2013)

New Hires

Kevin Hodar, Registrar, Northen Tier (Feb. 26, 2013)
Mark White, Sr. Maintenance Technician (Feb. 25, 2013)
Brenda Howells, Sr. Warehouse Associate (Feb. 19, 2013)
Lee Ann Price, Sr. Benefits Analyst (Feb. 19, 2013)
Jennifer Chan, Advertising Office Coordinator, Magazine Division New York (Feb. 11, 2013)
Jack Moulton, Store Manager, Sioux Satellite Scout Shop (Feb. 16, 2013)
Raymond Ely, Assoc. Business Systems Administrator, NDC (Feb. 1, 2013)

JANUARY 2013

Hudson Valley Council Welcomes David Horton
David G. Horton has been named the new Scout executive of the Hudson Valley Council in Newburgh, New York. He began his new position on Jan. 16, 2013.

David comes from Reading, Pennsylvania, with a proven track record as a professional Scouter, most recently serving as assistant Scout executive for the Hawk Mountain Council. He has previously served as a senior district executive and field director in Reading, as well as council program director in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He began his professional career with the Boy Scouts of America in West Chester as a district executive.

David received his Bachelor of Science in administration of justice from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. David, an Eagle Scout, enjoys spending time with his wife, Sally, and their two children, Stephanie and David. His hobbies include reading, hiking, fishing, and sports.

Knox Trail Council Welcomes Matt Budz
Matt Budz has been selected as the new Scout executive of the Knox Trail Council in Framingham, Massachusetts, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Matt has successfully served as district executive in the Penn’s Woods Council in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and as senior district executive in the Westmoreland-Fayette Council in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and in the Baden-Powell Council in Binghamton, New York. He was promoted to finance director, field director, assistant director of field service, and on to director of field service at the National Capital Area Council in Bethesda, Maryland. After much continued success, Matt was promoted to team leader in the Membership Impact Department at the National Council.

Matt enjoys fly-fishing, golfing, hunting, and spending time with his wife, Melissa, and their three children, Matt Jr., a Star Scout; Lydia; and Clayton, a first-year Webelos Scout). Matt is an assistant Scoutmaster and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He is Wood Badge–trained and is a past Rotarian. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Slippery Rock University.

Don Day Promoted to Development Applications Specialist
Don Day has been promoted to Development Applications Specialist, Council Fund Development Team in the Finance Impact Department, effective January 1, 2013. Don began his career in Scouting in 1988 in Vermilion, Ohio, in the Firelands Area Council as district executive. He was promoted to senior district executive in 1990. In 1994, he joined the Heart of Ohio Council staff in Ashland, Ohio, as finance director. After much success, Don was promoted to director of support in the Heart of Ohio Council and served there through June 2004. In July 2004, Don became associate regional director-council administration for the Central Region.

Don relocated to Irving, Texas, to work at the National Council in January 2010 and became a fundraising specialist on the Council Fund Development Team in the Finance Impact Department. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he held Scouting positions including Order of the Arrow chapter adviser, unit commissioner, and assistant Scoutmaster, as well as receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in vocal music education. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.

Promotions

Patricia Van Hoever, Store Manager, Old North State Scout Shop (Jan. 16, 2013)
Coreen Boehler, Store Manager, National Scouting Museum Satellite Scout Shop (January 16, 2013)
Ronald Timmons, Team Leader, Fundraising (January 16, 2013)
Janine Halverson, Team Leader, International (January 1, 2013)
Donald Day, Team Leader, Fiscal Management (January 1, 2013)

Retirements

Tina Barsanti, Supply Group Merchandise Specialist, 30 years of service (Jan. 1, 2013)
John Fitzpatrick, Membership Specialist, 39 years of service (Jan. 1, 2013)

New Hires

Noelia Rodriguez, Store Manager, Sioux Satellite Scout Shop (Jan. 16, 2013)
Eric Darnley, Team Leader, Summit Distribution Center (Jan. 16, 2013)
Nathan Bubeck, Sales Associate, Lewisville Satellite Scout Shop (Jan. 16, 2013)
LC Kirkpatrick, System Administrator (Jan. 2, 2013)
Shantia Shivers, Knowledge Management Analyst (Jan. 2, 2013)
Laurie Buckelew, Creative Specialist (Jan. 1, 2013)
John Stewart, Dept. Manager, Corporate Business Development (Jan. 1, 2013)