My career up to 2023 had been in rural and smaller councils. I felt it would be beneficial to gain experience working for a large council with departments. When an opportunity opened in the Bay-Lakes Council in Wisconsin, I applied. I began my service as the Director of Support Services for the Bay-Lakes Council in February of 2023. On January 4, 2024 my position was changed to Assistant Scout Executive. At that point I took on management of the Field Service team and general operations while retaining my Director of Support Services responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
Oversee the financial operations of the council (3.8 million).
Oversee the camp operations of the council.
Oversee council level programs.
Oversee all Field Service operations; including membership and Friends of Scouting.
Oversee general operations of the council, acting as Scout Executive in most cases.
As DSS, supervise a Program Director, a Camping Executive, an Accounting Specialist, four office support persons, and three Rangers.
As ASE, directly supervise two Field Directors, a District Director, a Director of Camping, and an Accounting Specialist. Indirectly supervise seven District Executives and two Rangers.
Staff advisor to the Commissioners and the Finance, Budget, Program, Property, Investment and Membership Committees.
Accomplishments:
Adapted council operations in a changing staff structure. Stabilize remaining staff after staff reduction.
My field team started 22 new units in 2024, achieving growth.
Projected to end 2025 with a $250,000 net income.
Council ended 2024 with $352,000 net income (9%).
Paid off credit line in 2024, no draws on the line of credit in 2025.
Found a $96k budget error that re-balanced the council budget.
18% growth in Scouts BSA camp attendance in 2025.
3% growth in Scouts BSA camp attendance in 2024.
1% growth in Cub Scout camp attendance in 2024.
Camps returned $220,000 to the council budget in 2024.
Found insurance coverage for non-BSA groups to use camp properties.
Served as the Staff Partner for the motor pool during the 2023 National Jamboree. Will serve again in 2026.
ATV Safety Institute (ASI) Instructor Certified.
Expanded ATV program and shooting sports to Camp Hiawatha.
Planned unique program features and trek experiences for summer camp.Â
Continued to improve 4 camp properties.