Jared F. Smith serves as the Scout Executive and CEO of the Muskingum Valley Council, Scouting America, leading a legacy of character, service, and leadership across Southeast Ohio. A proud Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout, and National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award recipient, Jared knows firsthand the power of the Scouting movement to change lives, build future leaders, and strengthen communities. With a career forged in service, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom, Jared brings unmatched passion, resilience, and purpose to everything he does.

Since assuming leadership of the Muskingum Valley Council, Jared has revitalized the Council’s mission to prepare youth for life. Under his guidance, the Council has launched bold new initiatives to grow membership, increase program quality, and remove financial barriers for underserved families through expanded Membership Assistance programs. 

Jared is a passionate champion for youth leadership development, ensuring every Scout, regardless of background – has the opportunity to thrive. He has led the creation of Community Connections Outreach, a Council wide initiative that introduces Scouting to the public through free public events like the MVC Fourth of July Family Fun Day, MVC Trunk or Treat, and the MVC Cookies with the Grinch. These free community events instill patriotism, service, and family fun while fostering positive and safe youth engagement.

His commitment to service extends far beyond the campfire. Jared spearheaded a series of major infrastructure and capital improvement efforts at the Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation, including facility upgrades, enhanced accessibility, and sustainability improvements, all aimed at delivering world class outdoor experiences to Scouts for generations to come.

Jared’s journey is one of courage, compassion, and relentless dedication to others. He earned his degrees from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, where he overcame personal adversity and academic fear to become a thriving advocate for higher education and lifelong learning. In 2021, Jared was named an All-USA Academic Scholar, an All-West Virginia Academic Scholar, and a National New Century Scholar. In 2022, Jared graduated with a Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science and a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree with a 3.94 GPA and Magna Cum Laude Honors. 

Jared is also a national voice on veterans and mental health advocacy, leveraging his platform to elevate awareness of PTSD, suicide prevention, and emotional wellness for youth and veterans alike. Through his leadership with the Silent Battle; Veterans PTSD and Suicide Awareness Memorial Monument, the Purple Heart Memorial Monument, the POW/MIA Memorial Monument, and his work with the Woody Williams Foundation with the Mansfield, Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument; Jared has been a driving force behind ceremonies and monuments that honor our nation’s fallen and forgotten, Jared demonstrates that Scouting isn’t just a program, it’s a purpose, it’s a movement.

Before stepping into this CEO role, Jared served his country in the United States Army and was recognized for valor in combat with decorations including the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguished Valor Device, Combat Action Badge, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Jared served with distinction as a Human Resource Specialist at the United States Department of the Treasury and as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist for the State of Ohio, where he was named the DAV National DVOP of the Year in 2019 and the Ohio DVOP of the Year in 2017 for his transformative work empowering unemployed veterans.

A humble humanitarian and servant leader, Jared has been recognized with honors such as being named as a 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Honored Listee, the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Humanitarian and Bronze Medallion Award, commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, Admiral of the Cherry River, the United States Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Medal, and induction into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor in 2010. Yet his greatest pride comes not from accolades, but from watching a young Scout discover their strength, serve their community, and grow into the leader they are capable of being because of their time in Scouting.

Jared’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a fierce devotion to service. As Scout Executive, he continues to live the Scout Oath and Law daily, building a Council rooted in honor, unity, and hope for a better tomorrow.