During the Order of the Arrow's national planning meeting, section chiefs from across the nation elected the 2026 national officers. Joshua Nero was elected national chief, Emma Wright as national vice chief, Max Mihalov as Eastern Region Chief, and Kelson Dugdale as Gateway Region Chief. These officers exemplify the high ideals of the Scouting, representing over one million Scouts nationally and directly overseeing Operation Arrow at the 2026 national Jamboree.
Please join us in congratulating the Order of the Arrow's 2026 national officers!
2026 National Chief Joshua Nero
(he/him)
Joshua, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Tantamous Lodge in the Mayflower Council, has been elected the 2026 national chief. As national chief, Joshua will serve as the highest elected youth leader in Scouting, represent youth on the national OA committee, and preside over national events, including Operation Arrow at the 2026 National Jamboree. Joshua is a senior at his high school in Plymouth, MA and plans on studying civil engineering after graduating. Outside of Scouting Joshua enjoys country music and cooking.
“This year is an opportunity to show all of Scouting America who we truly are by building a program that gives back in meaningful ways, inspires lifelong memories, and creates a foundation of unity that will strengthen our movement for generations to come.”
2026 National Vice Chief Emma Wright
(she/her)
Emma, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Coosa Lodge in the Greater Alabama Council, has been elected the 2026 national vice chief. As national vice chief, Emma will help lead the OA and represent youth on the national OA committee. Emma is a business administration student at Wallace State Community College. Outside of Scouting Emma enjoys gardening and making flower bouquets throughout the blooming season.
“Our organization is at a pivotal moment, changing the OA experience for generations to come. I am so excited and hopeful to see the positive impact that comes out of this year.”
2026 Eastern Region Chief Max Mihalov
(he/him)
Max, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Paugassett Lodge in the Housatonic Council, has been elected the 2026 Eastern Region chief. As region chief, Max will oversee the Eastern Region and its committees, as well as work directly with lodges and sections across the region, providing guidance, coordination, and support. Max is a business administration student at Fordham University. Outside of Scouting Max enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and supporting the New York Rangers, Giants, and Yankees.
“At the National Jamboree this July, I am excited to see what the Operation Arrow staff does to contribute to the success of the jamboree. I am eager to meet thousands of Scouts that travel in from around the country that all have one thing in common—Scouting”
2026 Gateway Region Chief Kelson Dugdale
(he/him)
Kelson, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Achpateuny Lodge in the Far East Council, has been elected the 2026 Gateway Region chief. As region chief, Kelson will oversee the Gateway Region and its committees, as well as lead the region's National Leadership Seminars and Developing Youth Leadership Conferences. Kelson is a mechanical engineering student at University of California San Diego. Outside of Scouting Kelson enjoys singing and listening to hip-hop music.
“I'm very excited for this upcoming year, leading the region, and visiting the Summit Bechtel Reserve for the first time with Operation Arrow during the 2026 National Jamboree.”
What does a national officer do?
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 travel as national officers, attending local events as requested to support lodges, build connections, and inspire Arrowmen to live the admonition.
National Chief
The national chief serves as the top youth leader of the Order of the Arrow, providing vision and direction for the organization. They represent Arrowman across the nation, preside over national events, and work closely with their fellow officers to and their advisers to advance the mission, vision, and purpose of the OA.
National Vice Chief
The national vice chief serves a similar role as the national chief in leading the OA. They serve as one of the top youth leaders in all of Scouting, leading national initiatives, assisting in planning and coordinating national events, and sharing leadership responsibilities with the national chief.
Region Chief
Each region chief leads their respective region. They set the vision for the region that year, overseeing the region committees and serving as expedition leader for National Leadership Seminars. They play a more direct role in supporting the lodges and sections in their region through roundtables, trainings, and mentorship.