The New Birth of Freedom Council is pleased to announce several leadership and operational staffing updates designed to strengthen support for Scouting programs, camp operations, and volunteer service across the council. These changes reflect the council’s continued focus on investing in strong leadership, maintaining camp properties, and supporting the delivery of quality Scouting experiences throughout the council’s service area.
Brian DeBease has been promoted to Assistant Scout Executive for the Council. In addition to his current responsibilities as Director of Development, where he oversees the Council’s fundraising efforts, Brian will now also provide leadership for the Council’s field operations, including directing the work of the district professional staff, supporting unit service and commissioner operations, coordinating new member recruitment campaigns, and working closely with district chairs and district commissioners across the Council.
Brian “came back home” to the Council after his Scouting career took him to the Baltimore Area Council and Del-Mar-Va Council following his early professional experience in the former Keystone Area Council. His expanded role reflects both his broad Scouting background and his strong leadership within the organization.
The Council is also pleased to welcome Erik Hansbury back to Hidden Valley Scout Reservation as Camp Ranger. Erik most recently spent the past 11 years working in general maintenance at Harrisburg Area Community College. A graduate of West Perry High School, Erik currently resides in Ickesburg and will be relocating to Hidden Valley as part of his new role. He previously served as Camp Ranger at Hidden Valley from 2007 to 2009. His strong maintenance background and knowledge of the property make him an excellent addition to the Council’s camp operations team.
Earlier this month, longtime Scouting volunteer and Council Commissioner Tom Steckbeck retired from Aero Energy and subsequently expressed interest in continuing to serve Scouting as a part-time staff member. Tom has provided extensive volunteer leadership to the Council over many years, most recently serving as Council Commissioner and Executive Board member. In response, the Executive Board recently approved the creation of a new Camp Properties Coordinator position. Tom has also stepped down as Council Commissioner, feeling he could make a greater impact serving the Council in this new role.
His responsibilities will focus on improving overall maintenance operations at the Council’s camps, coordinating camp rangers’ work, and expanding volunteer engagement to help care for and improve camp properties. The new position reflects the Council’s growing focus on long-term stewardship of its camps and expanding opportunities for volunteers to assist with maintenance and improvement projects. Tom brings tremendous energy, organizational skills, and a deep commitment to Scouting to this important new role.
“I am excited about the experience and energy that Brian, Erik, and Tom each bring to these roles,” said Scout Executive Ron Gardner. “Their leadership, commitment to service, and passion for Scouting will make a real difference for our volunteers, camps, and programs throughout south-central Pennsylvania.”
