Scouting America Long Island has officially appointed Chris Coscia as its inaugural CEO and scout executive, marking a significant milestone in the regional organization’s history. Headquartered at the Doucette Scout Leadership Center in Massapequa, the organization is now a unified entity serving more than 10,000 scouts and 5,000 volunteers across the island. The appointment follows the successful merger of the Theodore Roosevelt Council and the Suffolk County Council, which finalized in June.
## A Legacy of Leadership and Strategic Growth
Coscia enters this elevated role with over 30 years of experience within the Scouting movement. Prior to this appointment, he spent nine years as the CEO and scout executive of the Theodore Roosevelt Council in Nassau County. His background includes extensive leadership tenures across various New York City councils, where he developed a reputation for driving membership growth, optimizing operational workflows, and spearheading complex fundraising initiatives.
In his new capacity, Coscia is tasked with the comprehensive oversight of Scouting America Long Island. This includes managing multi-million-dollar budgets, coordinating professional staff, and fostering deep-rooted partnerships with local civic groups and business leaders. He also maintains direct responsibility for the organization’s sprawling physical assets, including the Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in Calverton, the Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River, and the Onteora Scout Reservation in Livingston Manor.
## Modernizing Scouting in the Digital Age
While Scouting has been a cornerstone of Long Island youth development for over a century, the organization is currently adapting to a changing landscape. As part of a national rebranding effort, the Boy Scouts of America officially adopted “Scouting America” in 2025 to reflect its inclusive, year-round programming for both boys and girls.
To sustain this growth in an era dominated by digital platforms, the organization is increasingly leveraging modern management tools. Much like global tech companies that utilize data analytics to track user engagement, Scouting America Long Island is focusing on digital-first strategies for recruitment and internal communication. By integrating professional-grade project management software and cloud-based financial tracking, the organization aims to streamline the experience for its 5,000 volunteers. These operational improvements allow local units to spend less time on administration and more time on the core mission of fostering character, citizenship, and outdoor exploration.
## Looking Toward the Future
The decision to unify the councils under Coscia’s leadership is viewed as a strategic maneuver to ensure the longevity of the program. Michael Malloy, executive board president of Scouting America Long Island, noted that Coscia was “instrumental” in the merger and praised his ability to build a robust professional team capable of navigating the complexities of modern non-profit management.
“Scouting has the power to shape lives and prepare young people to become confident leaders,” Coscia stated in a recent press release. “My focus is ensuring every family across Long Island has the opportunity to experience a program that builds character, develops leadership skills, encourages service to others and inspires a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.”
As Scouting America Long Island moves forward, the focus remains on leveraging regional unity to provide a more consistent and impactful experience. By combining the resources of two previously separate councils, Coscia plans to scale programs that address the evolving needs of contemporary families. With a clear vision for operational excellence and community engagement, the organization is positioning itself to remain a vital fixture for youth development, blending over 100 years of tradition with the logistical efficiency required in the 21st century.
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