As we start the 2026-2027 Scouting program year, here are a few updates to the council staff structure:

 Jim Mason, Assistant Scout Executive

Assistant Scout Executive Jim Mason is retiring after 13 years with the Black Swamp Area Council and 17 years as a professional Scouter.

Jim began his Scouting career with the Tecumseh Council before joining the Black Swamp Area Council in 2013 as District Director for the Great Oaks District. During his tenure, he was promoted to Development Director and later Assistant Scout Executive.

Jim has played a key role in the council’s success, leading Friends of Scouting campaigns, special event fundraising efforts, and strengthening donor relationships throughout the council. He also revitalized the council’s popcorn sale after several years of declining participation, helping return the sale to a position of growth and success.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Jim for his years of dedicated service and wish him and his family all the best as he begins this next chapter of life.

A retirement celebration is being planned for Saturday, September 19, 2026. Additional details will be shared soon. Jim’s final day with the Black Swamp Area Council will be  Monday, August 31, 2026.

In the interim, Scout Executive Marc Kogan will provide leadership for field operations and oversee the council’s popcorn sale.

A national search to identify the Black Swamp Area Council’s next Assistant Scout Executive has already begun.

 

Brenden Erwin, Senior District Executive Great Oaks District

Brenden Erwin has been promoted to Senior District Executive. He will continue serving the Great Oaks District, where he has successfully provided leadership and support for the past two and a half years.

We congratulate Brenden on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to his continued contributions to the council’s success.

 

Micah Zinna, Marketing & Grant Coordinator/Adventure Camp Director

Micah Zinna will transition into the role of Marketing & Grant Coordinator. In addition to her new responsibilities, Micah will continue serving as Adventure Camp Director at Camp Berry during the summer of 2027.

Micah’s new direct phone number is 567-208-5304.

 

Jonah Brown, District Executive Arrowwood District

Jonah Brown will join the Black Swamp Area Council staff as District Executive for the Arrowwood District.

Jonah is an Eagle Scout from the Black Swamp Area Council and has served as Program Director for Camp Berry Summer Camp during the past two summers. He will also serve as Camp Lakota Summer Program Director for the 2027 camping season.

Jonah’s direct phone number is 567-208-5286, and his email address is Jonah.Brown2@scouting.org.

 

Jeff Smarkel, Camp Lakota Summer Camp Director

Jeff Smarkel will join the Black Swamp Area Council as Summer Camp Director for Camp Lakota.

Jeff brings three years of camp director experience from Camp Frontier, along with a wealth of Scouting leadership experience. He has served his local council in a variety of volunteer leadership roles, including Council Advancement Chair and Training Chair, and has contributed his time and talents to numerous committees and initiatives.

 

His experience, leadership, and passion for Scouting make him an outstanding addition to the Camp Lakota team. We are thrilled to welcome Jeff and look forward to a successful 2027 camping season. You can reach Jeff at Jeff.Smarkel@Blackswampbsa.org

 

Jacob Rudebock, Camping Administrator

Jacob Rudebock will continue serving as the council’s Camping Administrator, supporting the overall camping operations of the Black Swamp Area Council. He will play an important role in the transition of all council Scouts BSA resident camping programs to Camp Lakota for the 2027 summer season.