Say hello to this year’s National Order of the Arrow officers

David Gosik, an Eagle Scout from the Tidewater Council, has been elected by his peers to serve as the 2024 Order of the Arrow national chief.

He and new national vice chief John Andrew Segebarth, an Eagle Scout from the Blue Grass Council, are part of a leadership team for the OA, the BSA’s national honor society. Both will serve one-year terms as the OA’s top youth leaders along with two regional youth chiefs.

Section chiefs elected these officers at last year’s national planning meeting. They will serve lodges across the country, providing them with resources. The national chief and national vice chief will also sit on the national Order of the Arrow committee and will represent the youth voice in the volunteer-led group.

They’ll also preside over national OA events. One of the most notable events this year will be the National Order of the Arrow Conference, slated for July 29 to Aug. 3 in Colorado.

What is the Order of the Arrow?

The Order of the Arrow, founded in 1915, recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. This recognition encourages others to live these ideals, too.

The OA includes members in Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews and Sea Scout ships. Youth members are elected by their peers. To be eligible, they must meet camping and rank requirements. Both boys and girls can be elected. Adults can also be nominated to an area lodge.

There are three levels of membership within the OA: Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil. After fulfilling certain requirements, including service, a member can be recognized to the next level of honor.

This year’s officers

Log on to Scout Life‘s Trek On Tuesday broadcast on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m. Central Time to meet this year’s officers.

2024 National Chief David Gosik

Lodge: Blue Heron (Tidewater Council – Virginia/North Carolina)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in 2018 and 2022, the National Leadership Seminar and was a part of Operation Arrow in 2023.

OA background: Vigil Honor member, James E. West Fellowship Award recipient, Founder’s Award recipient, lodge chief, chapter chief, conclave vice chief, section vice chief and section chief.

Education: Attends the University of Virginia, studying history.

Favorite hobbies: Working on his car, spending time with friends and trying new restaurants.

Quotable: “2024 will support personal connections between Arrowmen. With a National Order of the Arrow Conference, 11 National Leadership Seminar courses, including Japan and Puerto Rico, and 43 section conclaves, the Order of the Arrow will be a forum in which lifelong friendships are created.” 

2024 National Vice Chief John Andrew Segebarth

Lodge: Kawida (Blue Grass Council – Kentucky)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Venturing Summit Award. Attended OA Summit Experience, OA Ocean Adventure, NOAC 2022 and seven National Leadership Seminars.

OA background: Vigil honor member, Founder’s Award recipient, chapter chief, lodge vice chief, section secretary and section chief.

Education: Attends the University of Kentucky, studying political science, economics, and public policy.

Favorite hobbies: Playing the trombone, creating Pinterest boards and playing tennis.

Quotable: “I believe that we have an amazing team of officers and conference vice chiefs this year that are well prepared to design this NOAC as the launching point for the next era of our organization.”

2024 Eastern Region Chief Cameron Dalton

Lodge: Madockawanda (Pine Tree Council – Maine)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Attended NOAC in 2022 and the National Jamboree in 2023.

OA background: Vigil honor member, Founder’s Award recipient, lodge treasurer, lodge chief, section vice chief and section chief.

Education: Attends the University of Maine, studying mechanical engineering.

Favorite hobbies: Drawing, listening to podcasts and playing sports.

Quotable: “I’m so honored to serve as a region chief. I want to make the Eastern Region a home for our Arrowmen this year, supporting them in creating positive change.” 

2024 Gateway Region Chief Jake Whitley

Lodge: Colonneh (Sam Houston Area Council – Texas)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Attended the National Jamboree in 2017 and 2023, NOAC in 2018 and 2022, and the World Jamboree in 2019.

OA background: Vigil honor member, James E. West Fellowship Award recipient, Founder’s Award recipient, lodge vice chief, lodge chief, section vice chief and section chief.

Education: Attends Lone Star College, studying business administration.

Favorite hobbies: Reading, traveling and playing pickleball.

Quotable: “I’m really excited to share the message of the OA with Scouts across the country. This year will be an amazing opportunity to better the OA and Scouting.”