The national chief, vice chief, and region chiefs are Arrowmen elected to one-year terms by their fellow section chiefs during the annual National Planning Meeting (NPM). Serving as members of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, they vocalize the opinion of youth Arrowmen across the United States on national OA policy. They also serve as the presiding officers for national OA events; advised in their responsibilities by the national chair and the national director, a national professional Scouter.
Joshua Nero
National Chief
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Joshua Nero - National Chief
Joshua is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Tantamous Lodge in Section E19. He is a senior at his high school in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and plans on studying civil engineering after graduating. Previously, he served two terms as the E19 Section Chief, was the lead lodge merger facilitator for the Eastern Region, and served on staff for the National Leadership Seminar. As national chief, he will lead the planning of Operation Arrow during the 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve as well as represent youth on the National OA Committee and lead new national initiatives. Josh is excited to meet thousands of scouts throughout his time at the Jamboree as well as continuing our 76 years of service through the OA service corps!
Emma Wright
National Vice Chief
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Emma Wright - National Vice Chief
Emma is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Coosa Lodge in Section E6. She is currently studying business administration at Wallace State Community College and will be transferring to the University of Alabama to pursue the same degree. Previously, she served two terms as the E6 Section Chief, was the elected communications event vice chief for the 2025 National Council of Chiefs, and has served on staff for the National Leadership Seminar. As national vice chief, Emma will preside over the upcoming Operation Arrow during the 2026 National Jamboree, as well as representing youth on the National OA Committee. Emma is most excited for the OA Legacy Experience being presented at the Jamboree, having the ability “to share the values and principles of our organization with the entire Scouting organization!”
Max Mihalov
Eastern Region Chief
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Max Mihalov - Eastern Region Chief
Max is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Paugassett Lodge in Section E20. He is currently studying business administration at Fordham University, specializing with a concentration in finance. Previously, he served as Paugassett Lodge Chief, numerous conclave vice chief positions for Section E20, and as a section chief for two terms. As Eastern Region chief, Max will support and represent the lodges in the Eastern Region, and will facilitate the execution of the National Leadership Seminar and Developing Youth Leadership Conferences throughout the region. For the upcoming year, Max is most excited for Operation Arrow during the 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and is “eager to meet thousands of Scouts that travel from around the country” to experience a phenomenal event.
Kelson Dugdale
Gateway Region Chief
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Kelson Dugdale - Gateway Region Chief
Kelson is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Achpateuny Lodge in Section G19. He is from Okinawa, Japan, and is currently studying mechanical engineering at the University of California San Diego, specializing with a concentration in control systems and robotics. Previously, he served three terms as the G19 Section Chief and has previously served as the Far East Council VOA president. As Gateway Region chief, Kelson will support and represent the lodges in the Gateway Region and will facilitate the execution of the National Leadership Seminar and Developing Youth Leadership Conferences throughout the region. Kelson is most excited to go to the Summit Bechtel Reserve for the first time with Operation Arrow during the 2026 National Jamboree.
Chris A. Grove, M.D.
National Chair
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Chris A. Grove, M.D. - National Chair
Chris was inducted to Miami Lodge in Dayton, Ohio in 1982. He earned his Eagle Scout at age 14 and kept his Vigil in 1988. He lives in Ormond Beach, Florida where he practices General Surgery at AdventHealth. Chris has been married to his wife Becky since 2005, and is a father to his daughter Abby and his Tenderfoot Scout son Ben.
Chris began his service to the Order of the Arrow as a chapter chief, and then went on to become a lodge vice chief, lodge chief, and lodge adviser all in Miami Lodge. He has been an associate section adviser and section adviser before serving as the Central Region Chair from 2007-2012. He subsequently has served on the National OA Committee as a vice chair. In recognition of his extensive service to Scouting, Chris has been honored with the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, OA Founders Award, OA Centurion Award, National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, and the OA Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
During his tenure as Order of the Arrow Chair, Chris looks forward to engaging with youth and adults from across the country to take on the challenges facing our Order today. He plans to guide the OA through the transition that the BSA is making to its structure, governance, and finances. At such a critical transition point in OA history, Chris is eager to empower youth leaders across the country and make the Order of the Arrow the best organization it can be.
Cortland Bolles
National Director
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Cortland Bolles - National Director
Cortland Bolles has been a professional Scouter for 21 years serving councils in Kansas City, Missouri; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Most recently, he has served as the Director of Field Service for Three Harbors Council located in Milwaukee. He has served as a Lodge Chief, a Trail Crew Director, and a Lodge Staff Adviser. He is also a recipient of the Founder’s Award and Distinguished Service Award.
Brea Baygents
Associate National Director
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Brea Baygents - Associate National Director
Brea's journey began in the Venturing program, where she immersed herself in leadership development through experiences like NYLT, NAYLE, and summer camp staff duties. Coming from the Longhorn Council, where she served as a District Director, Brea brings a deep-rooted understanding of community and service. Despite her love for travel, Texas has always been her home. Beyond her professional endeavors, Brea finds joy in outdoor adventures, indulging in Disney classics, and cherishing moments with her closest friends. Her college years at the University of Texas at Dallas were marked by her active engagement with Alpha Phi Omega, the college Scouting service organization, where she seamlessly blended her passion for leadership with a commitment to service.
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David Gosik
National Chief
David is from Tidewater Council and Blue Heron Lodge in Virginia. Before becoming the national chief, David was a lodge chief, chapter chief, conclave vice chief, section vice chief and section chief for Section E9. He is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member and recipient of the Founder’s Award and James E. West Award. David 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. He currently attends the University of Virginia, studying history. David’s favorite pastimes include working on his car, spending time with friends and trying new restaurants.
As national chief, David is optimistic about the new year:
“2024 will support personal connections between Arrowmen. With a National Order of the Arrow Conference, eleven NLS 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.”
National Order of the Arrow Committee
The National Committee is a group of youth and adults tasked with running the Order of the Arrow. Committee members put in countless hours of service every year to make the OA's programs possible.