Giving Leadership
Preparing Young People for Lives of
Giving Leadership
Don’t Tell Dave Alexander Something
Can’t Be Done.
These are the core attributes of an extraordinary entrepreneur: husband, employer, athlete, and philanthropist. Dave Alexander is founder and managing member of CalJet, the largest independent motor fuels terminal in the southwestern United States. In addition to his dedication to his business, over the years Dave has followed his passion for competing in triathlons around the world. He has competed in 287 races in 37 countries. Dave has applied his vision and generosity to Scouting. Through his investment in a range of projects from the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia to improvements the Scouting program itself, Dave has created new opportunities and new experiences that are developing the next generation of youth leaders.
“Giving is a very complex factor in life,” Dave says. “It is not just about donating money, but about giving of yourself and your knowledge to others.“ I love Scouting. Some of the most important lessons of my youth came to me through Scouting. Now that I have grown in resources and the desire to give and help, I feel more fulfilled as a human being. Many people think that giving is about charity, but that is only one very important part.”
Rex Tillerson Is Investing in Our Nation’s Future Leaders.
According to Randall Stephenson, BSA past national president, Rex Tillerson is a “living, breathing model” of the kind of person Scouting America helps shape. As a youth, Rex’s summers were filled with Scouting experiences. These adventures taught him important life lessons such as the value of teamwork, how to lead, and, importantly, how to follow––whether he was working in one of his first jobs as a university janitor, as the leader of a Fortune 500 company, or in service to his country, as the 69th United States Secretary of State.
Today, Rex applies his influence and philanthropy to Scouting. From funding projects at the Rex W. Tillerson Leadership Center at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia to leading the Pillars of Scouting campaign, he fosters new opportunities and experiences, shaping the next generation of leaders for our nation.
“The investment with the greatest return is the one we make in our country’s youth. Scouting provides opportunities for young people to experience and understand the world around them—not only making them better citizens, but more successful contributors to the workforce. I know of no better organization prepared to deliver American ideals into neighborhoods and families than Scouting America. We were built for this. It’s what we were created to do.”
Lonnie Poole’s Commitment to a
Brighter Future.
Lonnie C. Poole Jr. epitomizes the Scouting spirit, showcasing relentless determination and unwavering commitment. Achieving the Eagle Scout Award fueled his sense of accomplishment and success.
An accomplished engineer, and former U.S. Army pilot, Lonnie began his entrepreneurial journey in 1970 by establishing Waste Industries USA Inc., a groundbreaking waste and recycling company that merged with GFL Environmental Inc. in 2018. Lonnie’s leadership drove the company to remarkable success until his retirement in 2008.
His contributions to the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and councils including Occoneechee, South Florida, Tuscarora, Cape Fear, and East Carolina, have transformed learning opportunities for young minds. From establishing scholarships to funding infrastructure for Scouts, Lonnie is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people.
“True giving goes beyond mere monetary donations; it’s about investing in the potential of others and sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience,” reflects Lonnie. “I firmly believe by empowering individuals to pursue their passions and dreams, we build a brighter future for all. That’s why Carol and I devote our time and treasure to important causes, like Scouting.”
Paul Christen Knows Scouting
Shapes Futures.
Paul Christen is a visionary whose unwavering commitment to long-term goals and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped him into one of the Midwest’s most esteemed businessmen.
Throughout his career, Paul oversaw several successful ventures. He was founder, president, and CEO of First Western Bancorp Inc., which was later acquired by First Interstate BancSystems. He was also part owner of the Minnesota Twins baseball team and founded Christen Group, LLC, a commercial real estate firm.
Paul has a powerful reason he supports Scouting––he credits it to saving his life. On May 1, 1968, Paul survived a plane crash by using lifesaving skills he learned from the Boy Scout Handbook, stemming his injuries until rescuers arrived, ultimately saving his life.
“I designate my gifts to Scouting locally and nationally because I believe in the transformative power of this organization. By investing in our council, we nurture Scouting in our community. Our gift to the Summit Bechtel Reserve goes into a foundation, and the earnings from that support the Christen High Adventure Base––ensuring our contributions reach Scouts across the nation,” Paul states proudly.
