First 90 Days - Plan of Action
The first 90 days are a crucial time for any new Scout Executive. We must establish relationships quickly and learn the council’s personality, culture, needs, and goals. Taking hold of the reins during this very unique time in Scouting's history will present opportunities and challenges as we change and grow. Establishing myself, learning as much as possible about the council, and developing strategies to manage change quickly is going to be critical. Based on my experience and initial research, here are my priority areas for my first 90 days as your Scout Executive. I welcome any insights or suggestions you might have about these items.
- First day (or earlier), review membership recruitment plans and progress toward year-end goals.
- First day, meet with Leah Barry, Anna Gervais, Tina Goodwin, and Zachary Clark to start establishing relationships, evaluate the current council situation, learn more about the council, and determine responsibility for critical 30-, 60-, and 90-day items.
- First week, meet with Council President Jack O'Toole and Council Commissioner Michael L'Abbe to start establishing relationships, gain further insight into the council, and gain a greater understanding of their visions, goals, and aspirations for the council.
- First week, get up to speed on the council's budget building process, its status, and move it forward.
- Visit with each staff team member individually to start getting to know them and assess their readiness, attitude, and level of teamwork.
- Schedule regular Council Key 3 meetings.
- Review council finances and get a firm grasp of the 2024 year-end projections.
- Assess internal financial controls and level of staff budget proficiency.
- Research which service club is the most strategically advantageous to join and engage.
- Evaluate 2025 Council Membership Growth Plan and progress developing it.
- Review fundraising plans and volunteer structure and conduct a fundraising planning conference.
- Review and evaluate the council's Strategic, Public Relations, and Crisis Communications plans.
- Review status of council and district nominating committees/volunteer staffing needs.
- Visit every board member to start building relationships and gain more insights into the council.
- Work with the development team to meet with the top 10 major gifts prospects to start the relationship building process.
- Meet with key members of the community and start building relationships.
- Conduct “Ride Alongs” with unit-serving executives to build relationships and become knowledgeable of all districts.
- Attend (with the Council Commissioner when possible) roundtable, commissioner, or committee meetings in each district.
- Be visible and network in the community and at Scouting events.