Our own background check on the new Secret Service director turns up …

pierson-1Scouting, in all of its many varieties, can build the foundation for a lifelong career of serving others.

That’s true in the traditional Scouting programs — Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing — but also in the lesser-known ones, like Exploring.

Consider Julia A. Pierson to be the latest shining example. Pierson, who became the first female director of the United States Secret Service on March 27, got her start in Exploring. She was an Explorer in Post 103 with the Orlando, Fla., Police Department as a youth and was the 1978 National Law Enforcement Exploring youth representative.

Exploring may be one of the BSA’s lesser-known programs, but it’s experiencing some encouraging growth right now. Last year, membership in the program grew by an impressive 3.4 percent.

Speaking of impressive, Pierson has built a 30-year career with the Secret Service, and she’ll now lead the male-dominated agency through its next chapter.

“I have to say that Julia’s reputation within the Service is extraordinary,” President Barack Obama was quoted as saying. “She’s come up through the ranks. She’s done just about every job there is to do at the Secret Service.”

Congratulations, Julia!


Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

H/T: Thanks to Scout Wire for the tip


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.