John Judge Selected as Scout Executive/CEO of Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council

Accomplished nonprofit leader takes helm of region’s largest scouting & youth development organization

BOSTON, MA – November 28, 2023 – The Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council is pleased to announce the selection of John Judge as Scout Executive/CEO.  Mr. Judge brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a record of success as a conservation and climate resilience champion dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and expanding access to the outdoors among underserved communities.  In his new role, Mr. Judge will lead the largest Boy Scouts of America Council in Massachusetts, serving 76 cities and towns.

“The hiring of John Judge is a defining moment for scouting in Boston,” said David Clayman, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Spirit of Adventure Council.  “The ability to recruit someone with John’s proven track record as a successful nonprofit leader to return home to Scouting as we emerge on our next chapter is so exciting.  Scouting’s core values remain the same, and much needed on our society today, but we are also moving into an era where youth want to experience both our traditional outdoors programs and new initiatives that resonate with today’s youth, like STEM education.  John’s passion for increasing access to the outdoors for underserved youth fits perfectly with our mission. He also has the vision to seek out areas we haven’t mastered, leveraging the great technology and biotech footprint here in Boston to provide youth exposure to those fields they may not experience without the partnerships we’re forging, and the programs Scouting is making available.  We are so excited to see where John can lead us.”

Mr. Judge developed his love of the outdoors from his parents and through scouting, where he was introduced to hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing.  Mr. Judge is an Eagle Scout and a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association.  His goals for the Spirit of Adventure Council include revitalizing scouting in urban areas and addressing outdoor equity to ensure children of all backgrounds have opportunities to deepen their connection to nature.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Scouting mission and work to inspire the next generation of participating citizens and stewards of the outdoors,” said Mr. Judge. 

Mr. Judge spent nearly a decade as chief executive of The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).  During this time, Mr. Judge helped AMC expand its recreational offerings, improve outdoor access in rural and urban areas, and celebrate significant conservation victories, such as the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

Mr. Judge has also held leadership positions with Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston, and Trustees of Reservations. He also served as Chief City Planning and Economic Development Officer for the City of Springfield, leading commercial and industrial projects such as the University of Massachusetts Design Center.

Mr. Judge has also initiated his own mission-driven projects. He founded NextEcology, an organization dedicated to boosting passion for nature and conservation for generations to come. Mr. Judge is also the author of The Outdoor Citizen: Get Out, Give Back, Get Active, a book calling for a new era of outdoor and conservation engagement.

Mr. Judge earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stonehill College, and a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.  He resides in Manchester, Massachusetts with his wife and daughter, who is a Cub Scout.

To learn more about the Spirit of Adventure Council, visit www.scoutspirit.org