Scouts Canada Names Michael McKay Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer

OTTAWA, May 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Canada and Chair of the Board of Governors today announced that Michael McKay has been appointed the Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective April 30, 2012.

In his role, McKay will be responsible for continuing to deliver against the Scouts Canada SCOUTING NOW Action Plan which is the organization's long-term strategy for revitalizing and growing the Scouting Movement in Canada. The plan has led to three years of consecutive growth in Scouts Canada membership.

"Michael's combination of business experience in the technology and not-for-profit sectors and his passion for Scouting positions him well to help lead our continued efforts to help more young people reach their full potential," said Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Governors. "I look forward to working with him as we drive organizational growth and provide enhanced support to the more than 24,000 dedicated volunteers that deliver programs to tens of thousands of children and youth across the country each day."

McKay has more 25 years of management and leadership experience. He started his career with the Canadian Forces at the Royal Military College where became an Aeronautical Engineer. In 1992, he was selected as one of four of Canada's astronauts along with Julie Payette, Dave Williams and Chris Hadfield and remained active in the program until 1997 working on projects such as delivering the Space Vision System and the robotic arms for the International Space Station. After leaving the military in 2001, McKay went to the private sector taking on the CEO role at PixeLINK in 2005 and the Ottawa Flying Club/Flight College in 2009.

McKay first joined the Scouting Movement as a Cub Scout in Sackville, New Brunswick and has been involved in Scouting at various points over the last 40 years. McKay holds a Bachelor of Engineering Physics degree and a Master of Electrical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. For full bio visit Scouts.ca.

"I am honored to join Scouts Canada and to have the opportunity to build upon the respected heritage and unique accomplishments of the Movement. I am also excited to have the opportunity to pursue the great work that has led to a resurgence of interest and participation in Scouts Canada," said McKay. "I've always felt privileged to be a part of Scouts Canada because this Movement has done great things for me and for millions of others. I look forward to working with the Movement's volunteer leadership in each and every Council across Canada towards providing a dynamic and innovative program for the growing number of children and youth entrusted to our care."

About Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, has more than 100,000 members nationwide representing every faith and culture. Scouts Canada groups offer programming in more than 19 languages reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. For more information visit Scouts.ca

Scouts Canada is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration No. 10776 1694 RR0028) and a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Image with caption: "Michael McKay. Copyright: Couvrette/Ottawa. (CNW Group/Scouts Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120501_C2795_PHOTO_EN_12952.jpg

For further information:

Danielle McNeil Taylor
Director, Public Relations, Scouts Canada
613-224-5134 x245, [e-mail]