About the BSA

National Commissioner (Volunteer)

W. Scott Sorrels is the 12th national commissioner of the BSA — a position first held by Daniel Carter Beard, one of the founders of Scouting in the United States.

Like commissioners at all levels of Scouting, the national commissioner is an experienced Scouter who helps chartered organizations and unit leaders achieve the aims of Scouting. Sorrels, a long-time champion of the Scouting movement, has done much to further the positive impact BSA’s programs have in the lives of youth through character and leadership development. His commitment to the BSA— and to young people— is evident through his service, leadership, and support for Scouting.

Sorrels has served in several leadership roles for the BSA. From Southern Region board member to national commissioner, Sorrels has achieved notable milestones in the name of Scouting. In 2008, he helped to increase the number of new unit-serving commissioners by more than 11 percent within his first year as BSA’s first national commissioner service chairman.

As national vice chair of the Venturing Committee, Sorrels helped develop the structure of the Venturing program and also worked to establish area and region Venturing Officer Associations. As Co-Chair of the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, Sorrels collaborated with leaders of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) to bring together youth from more than 160 Scouting organizations around the globe.

Sorrels’ work has been honored with top-level Scouting awards, such as the Silver Buffalo Award — the BSA’s highest commendation given for extraordinary service to youth, and the Bronze Wolf, presented by the World Scout Committee to recognize outstanding service to the World Scout Movement. Additionally, Sorrels has been named a Baden Powell Fellow and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.

Sorrels follows recent national commissioners Ellie Morrison (2018-2020) and Charles W. Dahlquist II (2016-2018).