I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. Scouting has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. I grew up in rural Alabama. My father was a Cub Scout as a young boy and thought it would be a great program that could have a positive impact in the life of his three boys. He had no idea how true that would be for his oldest son. I first joined Scouting as a Tiger Cub and completed the program by earning my Eagle Scout Award. At the time, I thought this was the culmination of my Scouting life, but within a few years, I realized Scouting would be a part of my adult life, too. 

At the University of Alabama, I was required to do a project about a non-profit organization. Being an Eagle Scout, I choose Scouting. At the time, I did not fully understand the professional side of scouting, but that did not last long. After graduating, I was offered a position with Scouting and have never looked back. Scouting is not just my job; Scouting is my passion, my mission, and my service.

Now as a father of five children, my entire family are members of the Scouting organization. Scouting is immensely personal to me and is a major part of my family’s life. In July, I will have been married to my wife, Elizabeth, for 20 years. We share 5 wonderful children: Kate, Claire, Nathan, Caroline, and Vanessa. We do Scouting together but also enjoy collectively and individually many other activities like sports, music, art, hiking (or in the case of some, strolling through the woods), traveling, cooking, volunteering in the community, and so much more. 

Scouting and my family are important to me, but the foundation of my life is my faith. Faith has been a major part of my life since I was a young boy in rural Alabama. My faith has been my North Star in the best of times and has gotten me through the difficult ones. It is a treasure of high value to me. My family and I have been active in a church community in every city we have lived. 

It is with great anticipation that Elizabeth and I look forward to meeting each of you later this month. I look forward to hearing about your story and sharing more of mine with you.