John Richers

CEO

Sequoia Council, Boy Scouts of America

Education: B.S., Pennsylvania State University

Age: 57

Family: Nenita, wife of 30 years, and Catherine, a junior at UCSC and Christine, a freshman at UC Davis.

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What does your organization do, John?
Youth programs for those from first grade through pre-college.

How did you arrive at your position as CEO at Sequoia Council, Boy Scouts of America, John?
I have been a career professional Scouter, having worked in various parts of the country for the BSA. I came to Fresno in 2007 from Colorado, but I have spent most of my Scouting career in California.

What are your primary responsibilities as CEO, John?
Working for and with a board of directors, I head up the day-to-day operations with our office and field staffs, serving nearly 10,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare. We have service centers both in Fresno and Visalia, and we operate Camp Chawanakee on Shaver Lake and Camp David Wortman near Badger.

What are some of the challenges your organization faces each year, John?
As with any non-profit, funding is always a challenge. The real challenge is reaching out to all California families and making sure we are serving the growing Latino/Hispanic community. We have had some remarkable success in this area and have been recognized nationally.

Have the Boy Scouts changed during the time that you have been involved with the organization, John?
Since 1910, the tenets of Scouting, “Be Prepared”, “Do Your Best”, “Trustworthy”, the value of the rank of Eagle Scout etc., have not changed. Other aspects have changed and continue to do so. Cub Scouting began in the late 1920s, women now may serve in any leadership capacity, young women aged 14 and older began to be members in Exploring in 1969 and later in Venturing in 1998. Scouting tends to follow the trends of the country.

What is the most rewarding part of your job, John? The most difficult?
Knowing that we are helping America raise its next generation of citizens is most satisfying and working with great community leaders is a thrill. Difficulties include the normal challenge of running an organization.

What do you see in the future for the Sequoia Council and the Boy Scouts of America as a whole, John?
We are growing our membership here in the valley. We must continue to reach our historic membership and expand our welcome to emerging demographics here in California. Our Camp Chawanakee continues to see increases in attendance from all over the West and we are investing in our facilities for the future.

What is the best business advice that you have ever received, John?
Super communicate and keep your eyes open!

Do you have a favorite quotation, John?
Ask not what your Country can do for you….

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
I had a paper route from 7th grade to 12th grade. It taught me about people.

What do you like to do in your spare time, John?
Family, gardening, trout fishing.