PROFILE IN LEADERSHIP
Each month, one Scouter from the Hopewell District of the Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America is selected to be featured in our newsletter’s Profile In Leadership section. See some of these amazing individuals below. We thank them for their service and dedication to Scouting! To be added to the Hopewell District newsletter mailing list, click here!
JULY 10, 2020 | Alexander Riede, Scoutmaster, Troop 53
Meet Alex Riede, Scoutmaster of Troop 53 chartered to Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church in Loveland, OH.
Alex is a lifelong Scouter. Her began his scouting journey as a Tiger Cub and worked his way up to Eagle (Class of 1998). There was hardly any question that he would volunteer his time as a leader when his oldest son became scouting age. Alex stepped up as an Assistant Den Leader. Since that time, he has stepped into the role of Scoutmaster and loves it!
Alex really enjoys the teaching aspect of being a leader. “I like passing the skills forward and seeing the Scouts succeed!” When asked what he feels is the most valuable aspect of Scouting, Alex replies “the leadership skills that the Scouting program offers makes kids more confident in their abilities.” He is a big believer in a strong outdoor program.
By profession, Alex is a computer aided draftsman. When not scouting, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer (who is also Scoutmaster of Scouts BSA Troop 1053!!) and his two children. Alex and Jennifer have camped and kayaked at numerous locations throughout the United States.
Alex Riede, the Hopewell District salutes your commitment to excellence in the Scouting program!
JUNE 20, 2020 | Mike Wages, Scoutmaster, Troop 51
Say hello to Mike Wages, Scoutmaster of Troop 51 chartered to American Legion Post #615 in Waynesville, OH.
Mike began his scouting journey as a youth. When his son became Cub Scouting age he began volunteering his services. Since that time he has served as treasurer for Pack 840, Troop 51 committee member, and finally as Scoutmaster, a position he has now held for almost four years.
When asked what he thinks is the most important aspect of the Scouting program, Mike replied, “the program guides young people through their failures and aids them in becoming tomorrow’s leaders.” To date, he says his most meaningful Scouting experiences have been his trips to Philmont Scout Ranch as a youth. As an adult, Mike takes great pride in supporting Scouts in helping them make the right decisions in their lives. He is continually inspired by the imagination that the youth bring to Scouting.
In his work life, Mike is a General Manager for JCPenny. When not scouting, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as being an avid model railroad enthusiast.
Mike Wages, the Hopewell District salutes your commitment to excellence in the Scouting program!
JUNE 10, 2020 | Amanda Ruhlman, Committee Chair, Pack 139
Meet Amanda Ruhlman, Committee Chair of Pack 139 chartered to Eastern Star Lodge F. & A.M. in Franklin, OH.
Like many of our leaders, Amanda got involved in Scouting to support her kids. A believer in the adage “it takes village,” she stepped up to help build a strong Pack. “I figure, if I’m stepping up, they can’t complain!” And 139 is indeed a strong pack with 62 Scouts!! That’s a lot to manage!
One might ask, does Amanda do this all by herself? No! Her husband John, is an Eagle Scout and former Cubmaster who now serves the Pack’s Chartered Organization Representative. The Ruhlman’s are a real Scouting family.
In addition to this, Amanda shares knowledge with other Scouters by serving as Hopewell District’s Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner. As if that weren’t enough, she will be helping to plan our 2020 Cuboree at Cubworld, September 26-27!!
A a full-time parent, Amanda and John have have three beautiful children, 13, 8, and 7. When not Scouting, they enjoy the outdoors and do lots of camping!
The Hopewell District salutes your commitment to our Scouts!!
MAY 20, 2020 | Cathleen Owen, Scoutmaster, Troop 1750
Meet Cathleen Owen, Scoutmaster of Troop 1750 at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Mason, OH.
Cathleen started volunteering in Scouting when her sons joined Cub Scouts in Roanoke, Virginia through the Blue Ridge Mountains Council. Cathleen served as a den leader and the pack committee chair while assisting with many Cub Camporees over the years. When the family moved to Mason Ohio in 2017, they found their new scout home with Troop 750. Due to her background in Children’s Ministry, she became the Chaplain of the Boys Unit. After completing Wood Badge, she was asked to help start the Girls Unit as the Scoutmaster. She is also the den leader to a group of Wolf girls in Pack 750. Cathleen enjoys teaching Duty to God classes at Scouting University and is a merit badge counselor. Currently, she is preparing to be a troop guide for the next Wood Badge course.
Cathleen believes that the virtual format for meetings, Scoutmaster conferences and boards of review has strengthened the resolve of Troop 1750. Due to the commitment of their SPL and youth leadership, she is seeing the girls more focused than ever on rank advancement and scouting.
In her professional life, Cathleen works for Q Labs as the Director of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Services. She and her husband, Kevin have two sons, one of whom is an Eagle Scout and attends Miami University. Their younger son is a Life Scout and expects to earn his Eagle Scout rank within the next year. Cathleen enjoys family game nights and relaxing with a good book.
The Hopewell District salutes your commitment to our Scouts!!
MAY 10, 2020 | Gary Kuntz, Family FOS Chair
Gary is a former District Chair of the Hopewell District and has served in numerous positions at the district and unit levels. He is a Banker by profession and an active member of the Lebanon Rotary Club. Gary has been leading our efforts with the family FOS campaign this year and we are most grateful for his service.
APRIL 2020 | Scott McCloskey, Scoutmaster of Troop 500 at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Mason, OH
Scott McCloskey became involved in Scouting, like many, when his son became a Tiger Cub and the scouts needed a Den Leader. Scott took on the task with vigor and went on to serve the Pack as Cubmaster and Committee Chair. When his boys crossed over to Scouts BSA he jumped right in as an Assistant Scoutmaster and is currently the troop’s Scoutmaster. Currently, Scott has been busy helping to foster virtual scouting during the pandemic with the leaders of his troop.
Scott cites going on a trek with his troop to Philmont Scout Ranch as his favorite activity, thus far, in Scouting. “It really put all of the elements of the skills and values that my scouts learn to the test,” he says.
In his professional life, Scott works for Kroger in the corporate office. He and his wife, Nancy have two sons, one of whom is an Eagle Scout and attends Xavier University. Their younger son is a Life Scout and expects to earn his Eagle Scout rank in the near future. Scott is an avid bicyclist and rides between 1400 and 1500 miles a year!
The Hopewell District salutes your commitment to our Scouts!
Do you have a Scouter in mind for a future Profile in Leadership? Contact Cliff Bailey, District Director, at cliff.bailey@scouting.org.
