The Quapaw Area Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which covers Saline County and 35 other counties in Arkansas, has hired their first female CEO, Shanna Richardson.
Shanna is only the second woman in the Southern United States to sit in the seat and 9th in the nation. This historic decision marks an important shift in culture as BSA continues to focus on progressive changes and expansion in the community.
“I am excited to take on this opportunity and firmly believe the only true failure in life is not trying,” said Shanna. “I am passionate about growing and sustaining Scouting and determined to make a real, positive impact here in Arkansas.”
Shanna brings over 20 years of experience and is dedicated to supporting youth in Arkansas. She began her Scouting career in 2001 as a Scoutreach Professional at the Trapper Trails Council in Ogden, Utah. She continued to move up through the ranks as a District Executive at the Utah National Parks Council in Provo, Utah, and a Field Director in Central Florida Council located in Orlando, Florida. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Scout Executive at the Gulf Stream Council in Palm Beach, Florida.
“Scouting is an excellent resource for not only outdoor education, but character development,” said Shanna.“Due to Covid, we have lost a generation of youth that have been shuttered away. It’s time to refocus and give them the ability to take risks, navigate conflict management, and truly interact in social settings.”
Shanna and her husband, Cahill, have three children, two First Class Scouts and one Wolf.
Saline County is in the Ouachita District of the Quapaw Area Council. This Council is a 113-year-old institution in Arkansas, serving families across 36 counties. For more information, visit www.quapawbsa.org.