Experience - George McGovern became the Scout Executive for the Heart of Virginia Council on September 1, 2018. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Regional Director for the Southern Region, Boy Scouts of America from October 2015 – September 2018, Scout Executive/Executive Director of the Gulf Ridge Council in Tampa, FL from October 2008 – October 2015, and as the Scout Executive of the Flint River Council in Griffin, GA from June 2002 – October 2008. He started his career in the Scouting profession in the Middle Tennessee Council based in Nashville, TN. He served as a District Executive, District Director, Field Director in 2 service areas, the Development Director and as the Director of Field Service/COO from 1985 to 2002.
Background - He was born in Philadelphia, PA, but grew up in Raleigh, NC. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA then he went on to receive his Master of Science Degree from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN.
While at Randolph Macon he worked on two studies in the area of Herpetology (The Study of Reptiles and Amphibians) both of which were published. One study, done in Arizona, was published in the Journal of Herpetology. The other was published in a Virginia Journal for work he did locally. George played Division II Basketball for four years, served as a Resident Assistant for three years and as a lab assistant for three years.
While at Tennessee Tech University he served as a Teaching Assistant for 2 years and upon graduation he began working for the Boy Scouts of America and has remained in that profession for 39 years. George has taught Sunday school, been on the church finance committee, and helped as a leader in the AWANA Games program for 2 years. He had also been an active Scout leader for his sons in both Cub Scout and Boy Scouts. George is an Eagle Scout, OA Vigil Honor, St George Emblem recipient, a Paul Harris Fellow and has been a member of various Rotary Clubs throughout his career.
He is married to Karen, and they have 4 boys, Wesley, Blake, Garrett and Landon, all Eagle Scouts.
Hobbies include cycling, golf, swimming and shooting sports.