Scouts Canada Appoints New CEO with Mandate To Build Upon New Momentum

OTTAWA, Sept. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors, joins with the members of the Board of Governors in announcing Janet Yale as the new Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer for Scouts Canada, effective September 27, 2010.

In her role as Executive Commissioner and CEO, Yale will be mandated to build upon the exciting renewal process that has seen a resurgence of interest and participation in Scouts Canada since 2008. Notwithstanding challenging economic times and a shrinking youth population, Scouts Canada saw an addition of 4,000 young people taking part in its programs over the past two years.

"Janet brings precisely the right mix of executive experience, not-for-profit leadership and business experience to further energize our successful efforts to renew the vitality and vigour of Scouts Canada," explained Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors. "Better is not good enough for Scouts Canada. Janet will lead the implementation of our SCOUTING NOW Action Plan to ensure our organization is relevant and responsive to the youth of Canada now and in the future."

Among the key priorities for the new Executive Commissioner and CEO will be the realization of the Action Plan and further expansion of the membership base.

"I am thrilled to join Scouts Canada and to help energize the next stage of its growth and reconnection with young people across the country," said Janet Yale, newly appointed Executive Commissioner and CEO for Scouts Canada. "I look forward to the challenge of building on the respected roots of Scouts Canada while implementing the Action Plan to add programs, better serve existing members and attract new participants."

Yale added, "On a personal note, as a long-standing volunteer and community leader, I am passionate about the ability of each person to become engaged and make a difference in the lives of the broader community, and I feel strongly about fostering an environment of individual responsibility and collective empowerment. This philosophy is at the very heart of Scouts Canada."

As the new Scouts Canada leader, Yale was selected after a rigorous national recruiting process that took over four months to complete, with well over 90 candidates considered for this important position.

"The caliber of candidates was extremely high, but Yale's 20 years of senior leadership experience in public, private and non-profit organizations was identified as essential to Scouts Canada's future growth," explained Steve Kent. "She brings advanced business acumen, along with a demonstrated track record of driving community engagement, which is combined with a personal passion for serving youth-oriented non-profit organizations. This winning combination made her a natural choice for Scouts Canada."

About Scouts Canada's SCOUTING NOW Action Plan

The Action Plan for Canadian Scouting starts with an appreciation that while Scouts Canada programs are sound, effective and time-tested, there is room both for new initiatives and for advancing how the programs are delivered in an effort to ensure relevance and dynamism. The Action Plan is also about finding smart new ways to deliver Scouts Canada's well-respected and valued programs. By using technology and other emerging tools more effectively Scouts Canada aims to make it easier for new and current volunteers to participate fully while also enhancing meaningful youth involvement. This will result in new members and new volunteers joining the organization, consistent with our ambitious vision for growth. For more information on the Action Plan, visit www.scoutingnow.org.

About Scouts Canada

Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, offers exciting programs for male and female youth ages 5 to 26. Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, these young people develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For millions of Canadians, Scouts has been the start of something great. Approximately 100,000 active members enjoy Scouts Canada's programs, which are provided by 25,000 caring and dedicated volunteers. We are members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which has grown to 30 million members in 217 countries and territories.

For further information: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Franca Miraglia, Public Relations, Scouts Canada, 647.967.4255, [email protected]