Meet the Outstanding Leaders Shaping the Future of Scouting—One Unit at a Time
The Unit Leader Award of Merit honors quality leadership at the unit level that enhances Scout retention and program growth. This includes Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, or Skippers with at least 18 months of continuous service with their unit. Nominated by the Unit Committee with written recommendations from the senior youth leadership, these individuals lead a successful unit program plan that follows a calendar year and beyond. They have a leader succession plan, their youth are advancing in the program, and they cultivate a positive relationship with their chartered partner, along with projecting a positive image of Scouting in their community.
Congratulations to the following 2024 Unit Leader Award of Merit recipients: Trisha Bergman, Timothy Francis, Lee Fowler, Wesley Fuller, Robert Gibbs, Alexander Estrella, Timothy Whitney Sr., Andrew Weflen, Stephen Metcalf, Charlie Odegaard, Karina Ortega, Jerrod Scott, Brian Smith, Chris Stewart, Ryan Takeuchi, Doug Ullrich, Jonathan Watson, and Edward “Jason” Youn.
Trisha Bergman is actively involved with both Troop 439 and Troop 3439, supporting youth as they grow through Scouting’s adventure and leadership opportunities.
Tim Francis, Eagle Scout, lives in Gilbert and has been involved in Scouting for a total of 31 years. Currently he is serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 3050. Previously he has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 791 in Sam Houston Area Council and Cubmaster of Pack 325 here in Arizona. Tim has been on staff of nine JLTC courses (predecessor to NYLT) and three Wood Badge Courses as well as having the opportunity to be on staff for four years at the National Junior Leader Instructor Camp (predecessor to NAYLE). Tim is a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow and has had the pleasure of serving as the Associate Chapter Advisor for the Apache Trail Chapter this year.
“Scouting has a long tradition in my family. I am blessed that I get to share it with my daughter and watch her grow in Scouting.”
Lee Fowler achieved the Star Rank in Scouting, lives in Peoria and has been involved in Scouting for approximately 6 years as an adult leader. His primary Scouting role is Cubmaster in Pack 546, beginning as a parent volunteer when his daughter, Ashlee, joined as a Lion in 2019. Following, he took on the role of Advancement Chair, ensuring Scouts received their awards promptly and with recognition. Lee’s significant service to youth in Scouting includes leading the pack, ensuring engaging meetings, presenting timely awards and recognition, and creating a fun atmosphere in the unit. Lee provides an educational and enjoyable program for all youth, with a focus on his daughter Ashlee who is an AOL and son Aiden who is currently a Bear. Service to his community includes volunteering with Southwest Airlines to cook dinners for the Ronald McDonald House several times a year, along with participating in other community projects. Lee has received the Cubmaster Key and Scouter’s Training Award for Cub Scouts.
“Scouting is meaningful to me because I believe Scouting provides a strong foundation for youth development, equipping them with essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. I personally carry the lessons I learned in Scouting with me, utilizing them in my daily life. It is incredibly rewarding to witness young people growing and mature through the program, and I am passionate about fostering that growth in the next generation.”
Wesley Fuller, Eagle Scout, lives in Phoenix and has been involved in Scouting for 35 years. Currently Wes serves as the Scoutmaster for Troop 329, mentoring scouts in leadership and life skills, organizing events like leadership retreats and backpack cooking competitions, and supporting merit badge advancement. Service to Wes’ community includes leading scouts in impactful service projects, such as conservation work and creating outdoor spaces. Wes has received the Spark Plug Award and Troop of the Year honors and recognition from the Central District.
“Scouting is meaningful to me because it empowers youth to grow as leaders, build confidence, and serve their communities. Seeing scouts like my son Eli achieve milestones inspires me.”
Robert Gibbs is from Mesa and has been involved in Scouting all his life. As Scoutmaster of Troop 653, Rob help Scouts develop confidence, self-reliance, and personal responsibility. To that end, he has led Scouts on trips to the National Jamboree, Philmont, Sea Base, and the Grand Canyon. Rob has also received the Award of Merit along with the Unit Leader Award of Merit. Rob says he is passionate about Scouting because…
“it can be transformative, teaching life skills like teamwork, communication, and relationship building.”
Alexander Estrella, an Eagle Scout lives in Phoenix and has been involved in Scouting for 27 years. His primary Scouting role is Cubmaster along with serving as pack trainer and Committee chair for pack 787. Alexander’s service to youth includes organizing periodic clean up projects in historic neighborhoods and educating at risk youth for their future in several trades while working as a safety and security advisor at the Phoenix job corps center. He has received several honors such as the Scoutmasters Key, Training Award, and Den Leader Award.
“Scouting is meaningful to me because, it shaped and molded me to be the person I am today and I strongly believe and can and will do the same for today’s future leaders.”
Tim Whitney lives in Scottsdale and has been involved in Scouting for 16 years, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 818 for 7 years and more recently taking on a new role this year as Eagle Mentor. Service to Tim’s community includes serving as a church volunteer and participating as a small group leader, while working as a Financial Advisor in his professional life. Over the years Tim has received the following honors: Pinnacle Peak District Scoutmaster of the year in 2022 and Unit Leader Award of Merit in 2024.
“Scouting is meaningful to me because it provides youth a safe place to grow at their own pace, experience the outdoors, develop and practice leadership skills, all of which are paramount to becoming better citizens as adults.”
Andy Weflen has been involved in Scouting for 5 years and lives in Phoenix where he spent a year as a Den Leader and the last two as Cubmaster for Pack 340. “Scouting is meaningful to me because participating in it with my son has been so rewarding. I see Scouting as a great method to teach today’s youth about the world, self-confidence, character development and so many other important life lessons.”
Steve Metcalf volunteers with Pack 522, providing mentorship and meaningful programming to Cub Scouts.
Charlie Odegaard serves with Post 7033, where he helps Explorers grow through hands-on experiences and career readiness.
Karina Ortega serves with Troop 522, guiding youth on their trail to success through leadership and service.
Jerrod Scott lives in Buckeye and has been involved in Scouting for 7 years and his primary Scouting role is serving as Pack 402 Cubmaster. His significant service to youth in Scouting includes Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 99, an NRA RSO & Rifle Instructor as well as BSA Climbing instructor in addition to supporting our Council’s Range and Target activities and climbing events. Jerrod has received the Cubmaster Key and Cub Scout Leader Training Award.
“Scouting is meaningful to me because I enjoyed scouting when I was growing up and believe in and share the same ideals as the Scouting program. I want my son and other youth to be able to have the same opportunities that I enjoyed.”
Brian Smith is a dedicated leader with Troop 244, where he supports youth in their Scouting journey through outdoor adventure and character development.
Chris Stewart contributes to the growth of young leaders in Troop 280, where he plays an important role in supporting the unit’s success.
Ryan Takeuchi lives in Flagstaff and has been involved in Scouting for 7 years, currently serving as a Venture Crew Advisor for Crew 1876. Ryan also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for his boys’ Troop 7031 and daughter’s Troop 9033 and helps Scouts have fun outdoor experiences. Ryan also serves on our Council’s Executive Board and participates in the Council Honors Selection Committee.
“Scouting promotes youth character development and has been meaningful for my family.”
Doug Ullrich lives in Phoenix, is Scoutmaster of Troop 747, and Co-Founded Troop 747 18 years ago. He has received the Meritorious Service Star, District Award of Merit, Unit Leader Award of Merit and most recently the Silver Beaver Award. Doug loves the Scouting America program. In Doug’s words,
“It is a joy and a privilege to watch these young kids grow into young adults as they are mentored by the older Scouts in the troop. We have terrific parent support and are excited about the new female troop 3747 we have recently launched.”
Jonathan Watson is a valued leader with Pack 194, where he helps young Scouts build confidence, character, and friendships.
Jason Youn volunteers with both Pack 6 and Troop 3030, helping youth of all ages discover Scouting’s values and skills.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 Unit Leader Award of Merit recipients. Your dedication, leadership, and service are truly making a lasting impact on the lives of youth and the future of Scouting. Thank you for all you do!
