Ronald M. Gardner, Jr., Scout Executive & CEO of the New Birth of Freedom Council, will retire on December 31, 2026, concluding nearly three decades of service as a Scout Executive & CEO in south-central Pennsylvania.
Gardner announced his retirement during the council’s October 1 virtual roundtable for Scouting volunteers and unit leaders.
Gardner, an Eagle Scout, has been involved in Scouting since age 12. His professional Scouting career began in his native Pittsburgh. He subsequently served in the Philadelphia area with the Valley Forge and Cradle of Liberty councils before moving to York in 1997, when he was selected as Scout Executive & CEO of the former York-Adams Area Council.
In April 2010, following the merger of the York-Adams and Keystone Area councils, Gardner became Scout Executive & CEO of the newly formed New Birth of Freedom Council.
Major accomplishments during Gardner’s tenure in south-central Pennsylvania include:
- Providing executive leadership to the process that culminated in the 2010 merger creating the New Birth of Freedom Council.
- Providing staff leadership for the 2002 Camp Tuckahoe capital campaign and overseeing construction of the dining hall, Cub World, and swimming pool.
- Overseeing the sale of both former council service centers and consolidating operations at Tuckahoe through renovation of its original dining hall, with funding through property sales and government grants.
- Preserving land at Wizard, Tuckahoe, and Hidden Valley through conservation sales involving three different conservancies, while unlocking the land’s financial value to support the council’s future.
These efforts reflect the work of council volunteers, the Executive Board, staff, and community partners throughout Gardner’s tenure in the region.
“I’ve been involved in Scouting since I was 12, and I’ve seen how this program changes lives for the better,” Gardner said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside the volunteers and staff who make that possible. Their commitment to our Scouts has meant a great deal to me, and I’m deeply grateful.”
Gardner credited the Executive Board’s leadership and courage in making difficult decisions to strengthen the council’s future.
“The work underway will strengthen the council’s financial health and give our next leader a stronger foundation,” Gardner said. “I believe our council’s future looks brighter because of that work.”
“Ron has devoted nearly three decades to leading Scouting in south-central Pennsylvania,” said Board President Lance Smith. “Through some difficult years, he has worked alongside our Board, staff, and volunteers to keep the council moving forward and focused on young people. We’re grateful for his service and his commitment to preparing the council for its next leader. Our selection committee will conduct a thorough nationwide search for a Scout Executive & CEO who can build on that work.”
Smith will lead the nationwide search for Gardner’s successor. The council has formed a selection committee that will review candidate records, select candidates for interviews, conduct interviews, and choose the next Scout Executive & CEO.
Gardner will continue leading the council through December 31, advancing current priorities and preparing a thorough handover for his successor.
