Californian to replace Utah Boy Scout exec

OREM — Steven D. Royster will replace longtime Utah Boy Scout executive Tom Powell, who has stepped down as leader of the Utah National Parks Council.

Royster of Fresno, Calif., was promoted to the Orem-based council after leading the Sequoia Council for the last six years. With more than 68,000 youth and 35,000 volunteer leaders, the Utah National Parks Council is one of the largest in the Boy Scouts program. It stretches from Point of the Mountain to the north rim of the Grand Canyon and includes Lincoln County, Nev.

Royster and his wife of 29 years, Jane, have relocated to Springville. Their three children — two daughters and a son, who is an Eagle Scout — are all attending California colleges.

He said he isn't planning any immediate changes but will work with the board in completing a long-range plan. His interests lie in developing and possibly expanding the Boy Scout camps the council owns.

He said he will also look at financing to "serve more kids."

Powell retired Sept. 30 after serving since 1992 as the local Boy Scouts of America chief executive.

Powell, who grew up in Denver and Provo, served Scouting for 37 years, most of that time in California. He was Scout executive for the Redwood Empire Council in Santa Rosa and held other top positions in Pasadena, Oakland and Logan.