We limit our potential when we limit the number or type of people we involve.
One of my greatest assets is my ability to work with a top level nominating committee to identify and build a team of volunteer community leaders that can have long lasting, positive effects on Scouting. This began before becoming Scout Executive where seven individuals recruited for various district and council positions were eventually selected by the council nominating committee to be council presidents or council commissioners in five different councils. When interviewing for Scout Executive in the Jayhawk Area Council, board diversity was listed as a concern in the long strategic range plan. The diversity was not only gender and racial but included geographical and age. The council had a very tenured board and were primarily centered in Topeka. Board meetings were held at noon on Wednesdays so securing board members residing outside of Topeka was difficult. Manpower challenges were also identified at the district level.
Manpower Accomplishments – Council Level:
- Recruited 23 new board members since 2011.
- Reduced average age of board members from 59 to 45.
- Increased gender and racial diversity each by 11%.
- Established year-round nominating committee consisting of 50% board and 50% non-board members.
- Adjusted council bylaws to allow for conference call or video attendance to board meetings resulting in eight new board members from outside of the Topeka area.
- Initiated succession plan to cycle one-third of executive committee positions annually to retain institutional knowledge while fostering new ideas.
- Secured high profile speakers, honorees, and chairman for fundraising events.
- Developed Eagle Scout chapters or gatherings to engage Eagle Scout Alumni.
- Used fundraising events as prospecting mechanism for increased involvement with the council. This was especially the case with the 20 Under 40 Event (see Revenue Generation tab).
Manpower Accomplishments – District Level:
- Instituted manpower conferences in May with each field staff member to review current committee, identify gaps, evaluate effectiveness and create a plan for addressing needs.
- Held “Friendstorming” events in every district to help identify new talent.
- Created a Blue Chip File contest to increase cultivation of new prospective manpower.
- Silver or Bronze level in Journey to Excellence rating for District Manpower annually.
Professional Staff Development:
- As Scout Executive, had five staff members receive promotions outside of council with one becoming a Scout Executive.
- In prior assignments have identified and developed successor in three councils and have helped five executives secure promotions.
- Worked with staff to assign council level assignments to help in their development.
- Created a Blue Chip File contest to increase cultivation of new prospective manpower.
- Silver or Bronze level in Journey to Excellence rating for District Manpower annually.
Wayne R. Pancoast 