Boy Scout council names new executive

YAKIMA — The Grand Columbia Council, Boy Scouts of America has announced that Barry W. McDonald has been named the executive/CEO for the Grand Columbia Council.

McDonald has worked in Scouting for more than 22 years. He comes to central Washington having served in the same position for the Pee Dee Area Council in Florence, S.C.

Prior to serving in South Carolina McDonald served Scouting in his hometown of Richmond, Va.

McDonald moved to Yakima with his wife Earin and their three rescue dogs. They have four grown children and two grandchildren.

“Earin and I are very excited about this wonderful opportunity. We feel very blessed to serve Scouting in central Washington.”

The Grand Columbia Council geographically serves Scouts in central and north central Washington. It represents more than 300 packs, troops, teams, crews and Explorer Posts. The council has more than 3,000 youth members and 1,800 adult members.

According to Council member John Warren, the Scouting program serves as a partner to local churches, schools, service clubs, and business. The Scouting program’s goal is to develop leadership, character, and citizenship in young people, he said.

The Grand Columbia Council is headquartered in Yakima and maintains a field service office in Wenatchee. In addition, the council operates four camping properties and has an annual budget of $1 million.

Scouting does not receive government funding. Scouting relies solely on support from members and community contributions.

Barry McDonald can be reached at 509-453-4795 or at Barry.McDonald@Scouting.org.