Local Boy Scouts Welcome New Executive Director

The Baden-Powell District, a part of the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America, welcomes Dr. Robert Ames as its new Executive Director, succeeding R.J. Wiechecki, who has been promoted to Quality Unit Executive working specifically to improve local cub scout programs.

Bob has been active as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts for the past 10 years, most recently serving as the scoutmaster of Bryn Mawr’s 102 year old Troop 19. “My adult involvement with scouting began, as it has for so many family volunteers, when my son Andy became a Cub Scout,” he says. “In fact I’m proud to say that Andy will be presenting before his Eagle Scout Board early this month. Now I look forward to working with local volunteers and community members to inspire and involve more participation in scouting’s activities and values.”

He’s especially passionate about the outdoors as a cyclist, swimmer, former runner and conservationist. Most recently, Bob led eight Scouts from his troop as they trekked the rugged mountain trails of New Mexico’s Philmont Scout Ranch. Their adventure was capped by the summiting of the region’s Mt. Baldy on July 4.

Before his recent retirement from pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, Bob, a gifted molecular biologist with 18 patents, served as a Senior Director responsible for recruiting, mentoring and leading research teams in the pursuit of innovative treatments for cancer, heart failure, inflammatory and respiratory diseases.

“Bob Ames’ years as a scientist and leader in the corporate world will bring new ideas and a wealth of experience to us at Baden-Powell,” says R.J. Wiechecki. “It’s a real opportunity for all the scouting programs in our district to benefit from his talents.”

Baden-Powell covers all schools both public and private in the Upper Dublin, Wissahickon, Colonial and Springfield School Districts.