When I accepted the opportunity to serve as associate section adviser nine years ago, and later as section adviser, I didn’t fully appreciate what the experience would mean to me. Looking back, serving this section has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had in Scouting.
At the conclusion of the 2026 Section G16 Conclave, I will be stepping aside as section adviser, and I am incredibly excited to share that Cheryl Hunker will be taking on the role.
Before looking ahead, I want to take a moment to simply say thank you.
To every adviser, staff member, committee member, associate adviser, lodge adviser, and volunteer who has given your time and talents to this section—you are the reason our section has been successful. The countless miles, flights, weekends away from home, late-night phone calls, planning meetings, and quiet moments of mentoring youth often go unseen, but they have made an immeasurable difference. I have been blessed to serve alongside some of the finest volunteers Scouting has to offer, and I am grateful to call so many of you my friends.
Most of all, thank you to the youth leaders who have trusted me to walk alongside you over these past nine years. Watching you discover your confidence, lead with courage, learn from setbacks, and celebrate successes has been the greatest reward of this position. Every section chief, officer, committee chair, conclave chair, and lodge leader has left a lasting impression on me. You have reminded me time and again that the Order of the Arrow works best when adults empower youth to lead. Without question, this has been the best job I have had because of the incredible young people I have had the privilege to serve.
One of the things that makes stepping away easier is knowing who is stepping in.
Cheryl Hunker has been an integral part of both our section and her lodge for many years. As a longtime lodge associate adviser and, for the past several years, a dedicated section associate adviser, she has consistently invested in our youth, supported our volunteers, and helped strengthen our program in countless ways. Cheryl leads with humility, compassion, and a genuine belief in the mission of the Order of the Arrow. I have had the privilege of serving alongside her for many years, and I have seen firsthand the lasting impact she has had through her steady leadership, unwavering commitment, and servant’s heart.
As Cheryl steps into this role, I ask that you support her just as wholeheartedly as you have supported me. Our section’s greatest strength has always been the incredible people who choose to serve, and I know that together you will continue to provide life-changing experiences for the youth we are entrusted to mentor.
While my role is changing, this certainly isn’t goodbye. I look forward to continuing to cheer on our youth leaders, support our volunteers, and stay involved in the Order that has given me so much.
Thank you for your friendship, your trust, and the opportunity to serve. These past nine years have given me memories, lessons, and relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. For that, I will always be grateful.
Yours in Brotherhood,
Brian Gray