The Boy Scouts of America’s National Council has elected Randall Stephenson, AT&T’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, as the organization’s national president. In this volunteer role, Stephenson will lead the National Executive Board, which guides the BSA as we serves 2.3 million youth members.

Stephenson – who will serve as the 36th president of the BSA, following former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates – will start his role effective immediately. He will serve two, one-year terms.

“I thank Dr. Gates for his vision and leadership these past two years, and I’m honored to build on his work,” said Mr. Stephenson. “The Boy Scouts of America remains one of the best character-building and leadership development organizations in the world. The values Scouts learn as young men – integrity, selflessness and self-reliance – are fundamental to a strong, healthy society. It’s no surprise that so many of America’s leaders, in every field of endeavor and from all walks of life, have Scouting in their backgrounds.”

Stephenson joined the BSA Executive Board in 2005. He became a member of the executive committee in 2008.

“It is a true testament to the strength and impact of the Boy Scouts of America that two extremely accomplished, successful and high integrity leaders, Dr. Gates and Randall Stephenson, volunteer their time to help guide our path forward,” said Mike Surbaugh, BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “Thank you to Dr. Gates for serving as our National President. We will remain eternally grateful to you and your unwavering leadership and commitment to Scouting.

“Moving forward in our mission to serve America’s youth by teaching them leadership and developing their character, Randall is a shining example,” Surbaugh said.

Watch

To hear Stephenson’s thoughts about his new role and the future of the BSA, check out his remarks from the closing dinner of the National Annual Meeting:

Article from ScoutingWire.org