Stephen L. Smith
Los Alamitos,USA
Summary
Nonprofit executive with extensive leadership experience in directing multimillion-dollar operations and fundraising efforts. Successfully led volunteer-driven organizations through transformational change, enhancing fiscal sustainability and cultivating major donor relationships. Recognized for operational excellence and collaborative leadership that expands mission impact within diverse communities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer / Assistant Scout Executive
Scouting America
Redlands, USA
03.2024 - 05.2026
- Provided executive leadership for a volunteer-driven, professionally managed service center team of 13 field professionals, expanding Scouting opportunities for more than 5,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers.
- Rebuilt and strengthened critical relationships with Council Executive Board members, district volunteers, and community partners to enhance collaboration, trust, and organizational effectiveness.
- Directed council-wide training initiatives, including AB 506 Mandated Reporter Training and Wood Badge, enhancing skills and leadership among adult volunteers.
- Oversaw Exploring programs across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, ensuring quality programming and facilitating volunteer engagement.
- Advised on staff matters for Adventure Weekend, an annual community event with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo, engaging over 3,000 visitors each year.
Chief Operating Officer / Director of Support Services
Scouting America
Los Angeles, USA
07.2022 - 10.2023
- Led a team of 14 full-time executives, eight rangers, and 300 seasonal property staff to deliver a premier BSA camping experience serving more than 9,000 Scouts annually.
- Directed the development and execution of a $6.9 million annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Achieved $250,000 in expense reductions in 2023 through disciplined fiscal stewardship, strategic budget management, and operational efficiencies.
- Developed and implemented a strategic approach to drive culture change, supporting long-term, sustainable growth across camping operations.
- Managed transition from Tentaroo registration platform to Black Pug system across all camps and events, enhancing registration processes and participant management.
- Oversaw rental operations for a 25,000-square-foot service center and an urban 'pocket' park, managing diverse facility-use agreements, including large-scale commercial filming productions.
- Facilitated a collaborative partnership between the Catalina Island Conservancy and the Greater Los Angeles Area Council to preserve and honor the legacy of Camp Cherry Valley, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.
Executive Director / Palo Alto Service Center
Scouting America
Palo Alto, USA
11.2016 - 06.2022
- Guided the Palo Alto Service Center through the COVID-19 crisis, successfully navigating the mandatory closure of the facility while maintaining essential services to the community.
- Led the development and implementation of an online store to continue providing resources and support during the closure.
- Cultivated a culture of trust and engagement, fostering a 'family' atmosphere among 1,000 volunteers and customers monthly.
- Delivered strategic leadership for 3,000 Scouts across Palo Alto and surrounding communities, enhancing program delivery, fiscal stewardship, membership growth, and long-term sustainability.
- Engaged over 2,000 adult volunteers, securing leadership commitment and support for building a financially sustainable Council.
Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director
Scouting America
Glendale, USA
02.2010 - 10.2016
Director of Development
Scouting America
Santa Ana, USA
07.2006 - 01.2010
Field, Program and Activities Director
Scouting America
Santa Ana, USA
07.2000 - 06.2006
Senior Field Executive / Sea Base Director
Scouting America
Long Beach, USA
01.1999 - 06.2000
District Field Executive
Scouting America
Long Beach, USA
07.1997 - 12.1998
Field Sales Representative
Toshiba America
, USA
11.1995 - 06.1997
Education
Senior Executive Management Training -
Scouting University
Irving01-2016
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Training -
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA01-2015
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Education, Psychology
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA01-1996
Skills
- AB506 reporting knowledge
- Mandated reporter training
- Leadership assessments
- IT services management
- Network administration
- Hardware maintenance
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Adobe Acrobat expertise
- Adobe Photoshop skills
- Video editing software
- Media spokesperson experience
- CPR certification
- First aid training
- AED usage expertise
Awards
- Southern California Bowling Hall of Fame (2022)
- Achieved the highest performing territory in the BSA Western Region (Pacific Skyline Council)
- Secured and managed $6 million in endowment gifts (Verdugo Hills Council)
Selected Achievements
As the acting CEO / Scout Executive, with sound fiscal and budget management, balanced the Council operating budget for three consecutive years., Glendale, CA, Reduced expenses by ($250,000) in Camping operations and had over $400,000 in positive income for summer camp 2023., Los Angeles, Successfully recruited and trained over 13 new Executive board members., With a focus on donor stewardship, successfully secured over $300,000 in unrestricted funds, paving the way for the hiring of a new permanent CEO / Scout Executive., Glendale, CA, Through an innovative finance committee, helped to create a Friends of Scouting breakfast, focusing on 'Hometown Heroes', which raised over $40,000 annually., Glendale, CA, Created a comprehensive donor-centered campaign to raise $400,000 in operating income annually., Foster City, CA, Drafted and received twelve grant proposals for two councils, raising over $800,000 for operating expenses., One grant in specific was for $100,000 from the Central Valley Community Foundation, to help with outreach in California’s Central Valley, specifically to assist youth in attending Camp Chawanakee., Glendale and Fresno, CA, Managed a sustainable membership growth plan that achieved year-end traditional membership growth of over 500 youth for seven consecutive years., Glendale, Fresno, Palo Alto, Los Angeles and Redlands, Annually facilitated Membership Growth Conferences to energize execution and idea sharing with council board volunteers, and field executive staff., Santa Ana, Glendale and Fresno, As a field executive and staff leader, achieved membership growth in 20 of the 22 years that I was directly tasked with membership growth responsibilities., All Councils, Top service area in the Western Region with membership growth of over 350 youth, and over $275,000 in direct giving in 2019., Palo Alto, Through interactive monthly meetings, collaborated with volunteer Vice Presidents of Membership in five Councils to develop growth strategies, create accountability, and facilitate membership objectives set by the council boards., Long Beach, Santa Ana, Glendale, Fresno and Palo Alto
Hobbies and Interests
- Playing golf, Los Angeles Rams football, MLB baseball and all college sports.
- Volunteering with many youth organizations, including YMCA, GSUSA and Special Olympics.
- Bowling in tournaments, coaching youth sports, and riding my bike along the OC beaches.
- Working on computers, especially helping others learn to do normal maintenance and upgrades.
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer / Assistant Scout Executive
Scouting America
03.2024 - 05.2026
Chief Operating Officer / Director of Support Services
Scouting America
07.2022 - 10.2023
Executive Director / Palo Alto Service Center
Scouting America
11.2016 - 06.2022
Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director
Scouting America
02.2010 - 10.2016
Director of Development
Scouting America
07.2006 - 01.2010
Field, Program and Activities Director
Scouting America
07.2000 - 06.2006
Senior Field Executive / Sea Base Director
Scouting America
01.1999 - 06.2000
District Field Executive
Scouting America
07.1997 - 12.1998
Field Sales Representative
Toshiba America
11.1995 - 06.1997
Senior Executive Management Training -
Scouting University
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Training -
Tulane University
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Education, Psychology
California State University, Long Beach