Janssen W. Lemley has been selected as Scout Executive of the Buckskin Council, Scouting America, effective October 1, 2026. In this role, Lemley will lead the council’s professional staff and work in partnership with volunteers, community leaders, families and chartered organizations to strengthen Scouting programs across the council’s service area.
Lemley was selected as current Buckskin Council Scout Executive Jeffrey L. Purdy retires after serving his role for the past 18 years and scouting professionally for 40 years.
Lemley began his Scouting career in 2011 as a District Executive and later Senior District Executive with the Black Swamp Area Council in Findlay, Ohio. He subsequently served in multiple leadership roles with the Michigan Crossroads Council in Lansing, Michigan, including Program Director, Field Director and Camping Director. He later became Director of Camping Services for the Longhorn Council in Fort Worth, Texas, before returning to the Michigan Crossroads Council, where he most recently served as Director of Development.
An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Lemley brings broad experience in program delivery, camping operations, field service, volunteer engagement and development. Outside of Scouting, he enjoys endurance races, running, camping, fishing, Broadway musicals, exploring national parks, cheering on Cleveland sports and going on adventures with his wife, Carol. “Impacting the lives of our young people with Scouting is what drives me. I’m honored and excited to serve as the Scout Executive of Buckskin Council and deliver the mission of Scouting,” said Janssen Lemley.
Buckskin Council is headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, and provides Scouting programs that help young people develop character, citizenship, leadership, self-confidence and practical life skills. The council serves communities across West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia through districts and local units supported by trained volunteers and professional staff.
“Janssen brings strong experience in membership growth, program development, camp operations and fundraising, all of which align well with the Buckskin Council’s strategic priorities,” said Buckskin Council Scouting America President David Lunsford. “On behalf of Buckskin Council, we sincerely thank outgoing Scout Executive Jeffrey Purdy for his dedication and long-standing commitment to our mission, and we look forward to welcoming Janssen and his wife, Carol, into the Charleston and Buckskin Council community,” said Lunsford.
