Crossroads of America Council announces John Cary as new Scout Executive & CEO

The Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America, serves more than 15,000 youth across 26 counties in central Indiana, delivering transformative experiences that build character, leadership, and a commitment to service.

The Council welcomes John Cary as its new Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer, a role he began on April 16. Crossroads of America Council includes seven districts, including Monon, which serves the Scouting community in northwest Marion, southern Boone, Hamilton, and Tipton counties.

The Crossroads of America Council plays a vital role in shaping the future of youth across the region. With the support of nearly 4,200 dedicated volunteers, the Council delivers programs that instill leadership, responsibility, and civic engagement. Last year alone, Scouts in central Indiana completed tens of thousands of hours of community service, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to building stronger communities.

The Council extends its sincere gratitude to Ryan Kitchell, interim CEO, and Marc Richardson, interim Scout Executive, for their dedicated leadership. Their guidance was instrumental in sustaining the Council’s momentum and positioning the organization for continued growth.

“Scouting is more important than ever, and we are committed to providing young people with the opportunities and skills they need to thrive,” Board Chair Deana Haworth said. “John Cary brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for expanding Scouting’s impact across central Indiana.”

Cary joins the Crossroads of America Council with more than 24 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Previously, he served as Scout Executive of LaSalle Council in South Bend, where the council was recognized as a national leader in membership growth and established record growth in philanthropic endeavors through expanding community partnerships and securing multimillion-dollar funding commitments.

Cary has also held leadership roles in Scouting America at the Baltimore Area, Pine Tree (Portland, Maine), and Lincoln Heritage (Louisville, Ky.) Councils and served as CEO of the Builders Exchange of Kentucky. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to ensuring all youth have access to meaningful Scouting experiences.

“I am honored to join the Crossroads of America Council and build on its legacy of preparing young people for success,” Cary said. “Scouting changes lives, and I look forward to working with our volunteers, donors, and staff to grow our programs and reach even more families.”

About the Crossroads of America Council
The Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America – formerly Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America – is a youth development organization serving 26 counties in central Indiana. Through programs focused on character development, leadership training, outdoor adventure, and community service, Scouting helps young people make ethical and moral decisions throughout their lifetimes. For more information, call (317) 813-7125 or visit JoinScoutsIN.org.