It is with regret that the Board of Directors of the Spirit of Adventure Council announces the resignation of our Scout Executive, Chuck Eaton. We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and energy that Chuck provided the local Scouting community over the past ten years. This departure certainly adds some near-term challenges that the Board and professional management team have already begun to address.

Over the longer horizon we feel that the Spirit of Adventure is well positioned for success in serving the diverse backgrounds of the youth, families, and communities that are part of our footprint. This is in no small part thanks to the unique pallet of skill sets and energy that Chuck brought to the Scout Executive job over the past decade.

We are excited that, as Cheryl Katon, she will be joining Fenway Health as Vice President of Resource Development and Donor Engagement. Located in Boston, Fenway Health is a $131 million health care, education, research, and advocacy organization. With 600 employees, they serve over 33,000 people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and Fenway neighborhood community. This is a great career move for Cheryl and, while we will miss her leadership and voice in Scouting, we wish her much success.
The Board is pleased to announce that Jonathan Pleva, a 25 year Scouting professional, will serve as our interim Scout Executive. Jonathan has served as the COO/Director of Field Service for the Spirit of Adventure Council since its formation and has twice served other councils in the interim executive role. The Board is convinced that the management team is well positioned to provide the leadership required navigate the BSA bankruptcy process and transition away from the tougher times brought on by the pandemic.

Although Cheryl has decided to step down from her role as our Scout Executive, she will remain a member of the Scouting family. As she recently said to us “I’m an Eagle Scout, I’ve been in Scouting since I was in second grade, and I’ve spent my career trying to unlock Scouting for all families. I’d like to stay connected to Scouting, help where I can, and offer my talents when they are wanted.”

After a 27-year professional career in the Boy Scouts of America, we can look back on many accomplishments that helped better position Scouting for meeting the needs of today’s youth. Central in this reflection was her vision that helped turn an underutilized indoor pool facility into the centerpiece of the council’s New England Base Camp engagement and program strategy. This strategy spread to a multi-council collaboration that now serves three states through multiple outdoor education centers. Her passion for unlocking Scouting for all families has helped us become a role model of inclusive practices for other Scout councils.

We understand that upon reading this you may have questions regarding Cheryl and her journey. Cheryl’s story is Cheryl’s story to tell, and she will be sharing more of it through her social media platforms. Other inquires specific to the council may be made through our friends at Regan Communications (included below).

The Board asks that you all join us in wishing Cheryl much success and happiness as she continues her professional and personal journey. We look forward to her continued engagement with our Scouting family.

Jeffrey Reynolds
President of the Board
On Behalf of the Spirit of Adventure Council Board of Directors

For inquires related to the council, please contact Sean Martin of Regan Communications at [email protected]