by Mike Matzinger
Roger A. Krone, born July 25, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a seasoned aerospace executive now serving as the President, CEO, and 15th Chief Scout Executive of Scouting America.
His journey in Scouting began in Cincinnati, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1973. A standout memory from his youth was attending Philmont Scout Ranch in 1970, a milestone experience that left a lasting imprint. He recalled the awe of seeing mountains for the first time, the sense of responsibility that came from cooking and cleaning with fellow Scouts, and even a childhood mishap mixing chicken à la king with dumplings that became an unforgettable dinner disaster. These moments weren’t just fun—they were formative. Krone credits Scouting for instilling leadership, empathy, planning, budgeting, and execution habits that he later applied as he rose into top executive roles in the aerospace and technology industries.
Krone built a remarkable 45-year career in aerospace and defense, holding leadership positions at McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and General Dynamics, before becoming CEO of Leidos, a Fortune 250 technology company. During his tenure, he nearly tripled revenue and positioned the firm as a leader in defense, aviation, and cybersecurity.
In November 2023, Krone returned full circle to his Scouting roots when he was appointed chief executive of Scouting America. For Krone, the role represents both passion and duty, a chance to give back and ensure that more young people can access the transformative experiences he enjoyed as a Scout. In January 2025, he attended the model linked Wood Badge Course, SBR-25-1, held at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia and was in the Owl Patrol.
Drawing from his corporate background, Krone has championed the use of technology to modernize Scouting. He envisions digital handbooks, merit badge apps, cloud-based information systems, and improved communications to strengthen the movement while preserving its essence in outdoor adventure. He has emphasized safety as a foundational priority, partnering with national organizations to ensure Scouting remains one of the safest youth-serving programs in the country. He has also reaffirmed that faith and reverence remain central to Scouting’s identity, highlighting the timeless values enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law.
Roger Krone’s story illustrates how childhood Scouting experiences can shape a lifetime of leadership. From campouts at Philmont to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, the values he carried with him as a young Eagle Scout continue to guide his vision for Scouting America and its future.