Scout Executive Candidate
Andrew J. Nam
Director of Field Service & Scouting America Leadership Professional
Sixteen years of dedicated service across four Scouting America Councils — building teams, growing membership, and creating meaningful Scouting experiences for thousands of youth. A results-driven executive leader ready to take the next step.
Key Accomplishments
Delivering Results
Across Every Role
A consistent track record of measurable impact — from transforming membership numbers to building financial sustainability in camp operations and fundraising.
As Director of Field Service, consistently recruited over 2,000 new youth annually, remaining in the top 20 Councils nationally for membership with retention above 70% and unit retention of 98%.
As Field Director at Washington Crossing Council, drove a 148.76% increase in membership recruitment in 2021 vs. 2020, recruiting active volunteers to serve on the Council Membership Committee.
As Assistant Director of Camping at GNYC, oversaw year-round and summer budgets exceeding $1.2 million, managing 4 Rangers, 1 Property Manager, and a seasonal staff of 100.
Grew Cub World attendance by 692 sessions over two summers (2,285 to 2,977) and Pouch Day Camp by 197 sessions (366 to 563), creating a net operating surplus.
As District Director and Popcorn Staff Advisor for Westchester-Putnam Council, generated over $400,000 in gross popcorn sales for the Council.
As Senior District Executive, developed GNYC's Asian Initiative Program, led the first contingent of GNYC Scouts to the South Korean Jamboree, and launched a new Korean unit with $15,000 in fundraising.
Career History
16 Years of Progressive
Scouting America Leadership
A continuous ascent through field, camping, and executive roles — each position building the skills, relationships, and operational expertise to lead at the Council's highest level.
Director of Field Service
Sept 2022 – PresentPatriots' Path Council · Cedar Knolls, NJ
As a member of the Cabinet Staff, provided leadership to six full-time field executives and volunteers in achieving key metrics for membership, retention, Friends of Scouting, Training, popcorn, unit service, marketing, DEI, and recruitment.
- Developed strong workflows and procedures with the Field Staff and District Volunteer Leadership to develop innovative metrics for recruitment, consistently recruiting over 2,000 new youth annually and remaining in the top 20 Councils nationally for membership
- Working with the DEI Committee, developed metrics to support membership through ethnic and gender diversity by targeting specific communities and developing resources which has helped gender diversity increase 1% year over year
- Partnering with our Friends of Scouting Committee, consistently grew the campaign year over year, ending 2025 at $550,000
- Working with Field Staff, supported the Council Popcorn Campaign, raising $1.1 million in 2025, which is a 9% increase over last year, returning $460k back to unit accounts
- Working with the National Office and Lily Grant, hired a Unit Growth Executive specifically focused on new unit development and traditional growth
- Working with the Membership Committee, developed unique online and in-person training sessions targeting families in addition to unit leaders, leading to a stronger crossover for AOL classes annually
Field Director
Jan 2020 – Sept 2022Washington Crossing Council · Doylestown, PA
Provided leadership to Staff and Volunteers to achieve key metrics for Council Growth in membership, Staff hiring/development/training, Commissioner Services, and District Operations.
- Hired and developed new Staff Members in Field Services, providing guidance and support in achieving district metrics for growth in membership, district operations, and special events
- Guiding Staff and Volunteers, developed budgets for upcoming years
- Mentored Staff Members in developing new first-time district special events, netting over $9,000
- Recruited a new Council Membership VP and helped to develop a functioning Council Membership Committee focused on membership growth, unit/youth retention, charter partner relationships, and marketing
- Through the Membership Committee, developed short/long-term metrics of achievement. Increased membership recruitment by 148.76% through an active and strategic plan in 2021
- Working with the Council Commissioner, ensured that District Commissioner services were being offered in supporting units and rechartering
- Working with the Council VP of Operations, developed District Key 3 meetings
- Recruited a new Council Popcorn Chair and helped to develop an actionable popcorn sale, raising $158,000 and managed Day Camp Operations, raising $40,000
District Director
Sept 2017 – Nov 2019Westchester-Putnam Council · Hawthorne, NY
Led staff and volunteers across Putnam County — overseeing unit growth, membership, popcorn sales, Commissioner services, and special events.
- Served as Popcorn Staff Advisor, raising over $400,000 in gross popcorn sales for the Council
- Recruited 20 volunteers as Unit Commissioners for the District
- Developed a new special event honoring women in leadership, raising $10,000 net
- Mentored a District Executive who ran a special event raising $8,000 net
- Served as Family Camp Staff Advisor for the Council, raising $20,000
- Managed Fall Membership Campaign — created "Back to Basic" guides and Superintendent Relations Program
Senior District Executive
March 2015 – Aug 2017Greater New York Councils · New York, NY
Provided leadership to volunteers in one of GNYC's most challenging Queens districts — rebuilding infrastructure and growing membership from the ground up.
- Identified and recruited District Commissioner, Training Chair, and Cub Scout Training Chair — first in several years
- Started 4 new units and re-started 2 units within a single year
- Developed the Asian Initiative Program and led GNYC's first contingent to the South Korean Jamboree
- Increased popcorn sales by 166% and doubled the number of participating units
- Grew district membership by 10% within one year
Assistant Director of Camping
Sept 2012 – March 2015Greater New York Councils · New York, NY
Managed year-round camp operations, property, and a staff of 100+ seasonal employees — driving attendance growth and financial performance across two flagship camp properties.
- Managed year-round and summer budgets exceeding $1.2 million annually
- Supervised 4 full-time Rangers, 1 Property Manager, and a seasonal staff of 100
- Grew Cub World attendance by 692 sessions and Pouch Day Camp by 197 sessions over two summers
- Developed STEM Week and new program initiatives that drove revenue and attendance growth
- Created net operating surplus for Alpine/Pouch camp operations
District Executive
Sept 2011 – Sept 2012Greater New York Councils · New York, NY
Built foundational district leadership infrastructure, grew membership, and served as Camp Director at Camp Keowa at Ten Mile River Scout Reservation.
- Developed a functioning District Committee — recruited new District Chair and District Commissioner
- Grew Manhattan district membership by 4% within 1 year
- Served as Camp Director for Camp Keowa, serving 1,952 Scouts and managing 56 staff members
- Increased popcorn sales by 166% over prior year
Skills & Expertise
Core Leadership
Competencies
A comprehensive skill set developed across field, camping, and executive roles — built for Council-level leadership.
Strategic Plan
First 100 Days
Listen. Align. Execute.
The first 100 days as Scout Executive of Hawk Mountain Council will be defined by three commitments: listen before leading, align people and priorities, and move with urgency on the issues that matter most. Hawk Mountain Council enters this chapter with real strengths — a robust balance sheet, a committed volunteer base, a legendary camp, and strong community ties across Berks and Schuylkill Counties. The work ahead is to build on those strengths while directly confronting the challenges the council has named: membership growth (particularly in urban and female markets), long-term camp sustainability, fundraising capacity, staff realignment, and volunteer leadership development.
This plan is organized around five strategic pillars, mapped to specific timelines within the first 100 days.
People
Staff, Volunteers & Board- Days 1–15 Meet individually with every staff member — set mutual expectations, assess morale, and identify the realignment needed to match the council's strategic vision.
- Days 16–30 Meet all key district and council volunteers; attend district committee meetings; ask every volunteer: What's working? What's broken? What would you fix first?
- Days 1–45 Schedule individual Board member meetings — understand priorities, donor capacity, and expectations for the Scout Executive role.
- Ongoing Identify leaders and top volunteer recruiters. Build relationships before building agendas.
Community
Partners, Donors & Presence- Days 31–45 Meet mayors, county commissioners, and Chamber leaders in Berks and Schuylkill Counties — position the council as a workforce development and character education partner.
- Days 31–45 Establish media relationships in Reading and Pottsville to build a consistent public narrative around the council's mission.
- Days 31–60 Connect with Penn State, Alvernia, Kutztown, and Reading Area Community College — explore alumni pipelines, service-learning, and volunteer partnerships.
- Days 31–60 Accompany the top FOS volunteer on presentations; meet the top 10 corporate donors — relationship first, ask second. Identify the large donor pipeline gaps.
Membership
Growth, Retention & Diversity- Days 1–30 Pull a full membership report by district, unit type, and demographic — map growth gaps against population data, especially in Reading's urban and Latino communities.
- Days 31–60 Build targeted fall 2026 recruitment campaigns with district executives, focused on urban Berks County, female Scouting units, and Schuylkill County revitalization.
- Days 1–100 Conduct ride-alongs with each district executive — assess unit commissioner coverage, identify at-risk charters, and evaluate the join-Scouting event infrastructure.
- Metric Establish specific, measurable targets for membership growth and female participation — tracked and reported at Day 100.
Finance & Camp
Sustainability & Stewardship- Days 15–45 Complete a thorough financial review — budget, balance sheet, $7M+ endowment structure, reserve position, and FOS campaign trends over the last three years.
- Days 30–60 Visit Hawk Mountain Scout Camp within the first 30 days — assess utilization, deferred maintenance, and capital needs. Meet the camp and property committees.
- Days 31–80 Evaluate the special events calendar and product sale program for ROI; review all major contracts and vendor relationships.
- Year 1 Goal Bring a financially sustainable camp plan recommendation framework to the Board — the first 100 days build the informed foundation for that decision.
Strategy
Alignment, Vision & Execution- Days 61–80 Facilitate structured staff goal-setting aligned to council priorities — clear, measurable targets in membership, unit service, and fundraising with regular accountability checkpoints.
- Days 61–100 Assess volunteer leadership gaps at the district level; Wood Badge, NYLT, and leadership development programs to build the next generation of council volunteers.
- Days 61–100 Review the current strategic plan — identify what was committed, what has been accomplished, and what requires renewed execution discipline.
- Day 100 Present a formal findings report to the Board: what I learned, what is working, what needs attention, and a concrete 12-month roadmap with measurable milestones.
Commitment to Hawk Mountain Council
Hawk Mountain Council has everything it needs to thrive: financial strength, dedicated volunteers, a beloved camp, and deep community roots across two counties. The Scout Executive's job is to channel that energy into focused execution — growing membership, developing people, and delivering a program that changes lives. I am committed to doing that work with integrity, urgency, and a genuine love for what Scouting makes possible.
On my honor, I will do my best.
Leadership Philosophy
How I Lead
"Scouting is a promise kept to the next generation — my role is to build the teams, systems, and culture that make that promise possible at scale."— Andrew J. Nam
People First
Every metric — membership, fundraising, attendance — is a reflection of the people doing the work. Investing in staff and volunteer development is the highest-leverage activity a leader can do.
Data-Driven Growth
Gut instinct is valuable. Paired with clear metrics, realistic targets, and accountability structures, it becomes a roadmap for repeatable success — year after year.
Build for Scale
Sustainable councils don't depend on any one person. I build committees, training systems, and distributed leadership structures that outlast any individual role or tenure.
Community as Mission
From the Asian Initiative Program to Superintendent Relations, meaningful Scouting happens when we meet communities where they are and build trust over time.
Family
Family
As a first-generation Korean American, I've had the unique opportunity to embrace the values and traditions of my heritage while learning what it means to be American. Growing up in a diverse community in Queens, New York, my parents worked tirelessly to provide my older sister and me with the best possible life, while instilling in us the importance of humility and appreciation for their sacrifices.
I was fortunate to be raised in a loving family that emphasized respect, honesty, integrity, and humility. I attended elementary school in Queens before transitioning to a Catholic middle and high school. Along the way, I volunteered at a local nursing home, joined Scouting, learned to play the piano, and balanced my time with afterschool tutoring. It was a busy but deeply enriching childhood.
Scouting played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. It taught me to think creatively, take initiative, and look beyond immediate challenges to find meaningful solutions. Earning my Eagle Scout rank during my senior year of high school was a defining moment — one that inspired me to give back. I went on to serve as a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Crew Advisor for several years, carrying forward the lessons and values that continue to guide me in all aspects of life.
During college, I was fortunate to meet my wife, Czarina, and we have now shared over 25 years together. We are blessed with a beautiful daughter who teaches us as much as we teach her each day. In 2022, shortly after our daughter was born, my wife suffered a stroke. Since then, she has shown incredible strength and resilience in her recovery. Throughout this journey, our families have come together to support Czarina, Madison, and me, reminding us of the power of love and community during life's most challenging moments.
As a Scoutmaster, I often told my Scouts, "Think before you speak; think before you act." It's a principle I hold myself to as well. Without the values instilled through Scouting and the perspective gained from growing up in a multicultural environment, I would not be the person I am today — a leader committed to service, reflection, and integrity.
Credentials
Education &
Certifications
Education
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics
New Jersey Institute of Technology · Newark, NJ