The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) would not be possible if it were not for the dedicated youth leaders who plan the awesome program for the thousands of Arrowmen who are able to attend. The 2018 NOAC is no different.
In addition to the youth leadership from the national and regional officers, there are ten conference vice chiefs (CVC) who were elected at the 2018 National Planning Meeting (NPM) to serve in key programmatic roles on the conference leadership. These CVCs help plan all programmatic events and activities at the conference - ranging from shows to training sessions to branding stations. They lead committees comprised of youth section chiefs and key adult volunteers, as well as Arrowmen from around the country, to execute on these programmatic initiatives.
Take a read below to find out who who was elected and what program area they lead!
Matt Parsons - Activities and Recreation Committee Conference Vice Chief
“This NOAC will be a great opportunity to show Arrowman that the Order is still growing even after our 100th anniversary. I look forward to being a part of the NOAC planning process, and [seeing] what new and exciting things we can incorporate this conference.”
Matt hails from Millsboro, DE. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Brotherhood member and Founder’s Award recipient of Nentego Lodge. Matt serves as section chief for NE-6A, and has also served as section vice chief and lodge vice chief. Matt is a architectural engineering major at Delaware Technical Community College. He enjoys sailing, kayaking, and chilling at the beach in his free time.
The activities and recreation committee is responsible for staging a variety of activities, including athletic competitions, recreational activities, movies, and off-campus activities, as well as facilitates conference-wide patch trading.
Austin Thrift - Adventure Central Conference Vice Chief
“I am looking forward to the upcoming year and what it holds for our Order. This year's NOAC is shaping up to be a great one and I’m honored to serve in this position.”
Austin Thrift hails from Brunswick, GA. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil honor member of I-Tsu-La Lodge. Austin serves as section chief for SR-9. Austin is a outdoor recreation major at Georgia Southern University, and he would like to lead treks and expeditions professionally following his graduation. He enjoys rock climbing and paddling in his free time.
The adventure central committee is responsible for all high adventure related activities, including the Experience, OA Extreme, STEM, Arrowman Conservation School, high adventure training, and more.
Garret Schmidt - American Indian Activities Conference Vice Chief
“I look forward to working with Arrowman from all over our nation to put on an amazing NOAC and work to share the AIA program with the participants.”
Garret Schmidt hails from Clever, MO. He is an Eagle Scout and a Hornaday award recipient. He is a Brotherhood member of Wah-Sha-She Lodge, and serves as section chief for C-5B. Garret attends Clever High School, and plans to study business administration following his graduation. He enjoys studying politics and history in his free time.
The American Indian activities committee is responsible for conducting the many and varied American Indian programs, including pageants, dance, singing and regalia competitions, and the American Indian Show.
Andrew Zucker - Communications Conference Vice Chief
“I look forward to working with my fellow Arrowmen to deliver an innovative and inspirational conference.”
Andrew Zucker hails from Walnut Creek, CA. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil Honor member and Founder’s Award recipient of Ut-In Sélica Lodge. Andrew currently serves as section chief for W-3N. Andrew is a marketing and political science major at Southern Oregon University, and wants to become a campaign manager following his graduation. He enjoys improv in his freetime.
The communications committee is responsible for the various media outlets at NOAC, including the website, social media, hometown blogs and national event promotions.
Nick Allen - Conference Festival Conference Vice Chief
“The festival committee is excited to use modern technology in new ways to enhance the festival experience like never before, using augmented reality to expand opportunities beyond the physical presence of activities.”
Nick hails from Springfield, Ohio. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil Honor member of Tarhe Lodge. Nick serves as section chief for C-6B, and is a recipient of the Founder’s Award. Nick is a computer science and engineering major at Ohio State University, and would like to have a career in network security and national defense following his graduation. He enjoys aviation, travel, and drumming in his free time.
The conference festival committee is responsible for all programs and activities associated with the festival on the last full day of conference prior to the theme show including the festival, lodge booths, musical entertainment and other programs.
Jeremy Bedient - Engagement Conference Vice Chief
“I'm really excited to find ways that we can provide the staff and delegates with an experience that they'll never forget.”
Jeremy hails from Plainsboro, NJ. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil member of Ajapeu Lodge. Jeremy serves as section chief for NE-5, and is a recipient of the Founder’s Award. Jeremy is an industrial engineering major at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and would like to pursue a career in operations research or supply chain management following his graduation. He enjoys camping, ultimate frisbee, and volunteering at his local church in his free time.
The engagement committee is responsible for the overall delegate and staff experience including, delegate orientation, delegate gift, participation award and wide game. The committee also manages the concierge team and VIP relations, as well as coordinates the religious services.
Noah McGovern - Inductions and Ceremonial Events Conference Vice Chief
“I believe we all have the potential to achieve greatness in our lives. NOAC 2018 is the best way for us to reach the top…stepping outside our comfort zone is one of the best ways to really make this coming NOAC excel. The possibilities are endless.”
Noah hails from Shickshinny, PA. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil member of Wyona Lodge. Noah serves as section chief for NE-4A, and was the Eagle Scout Class of 2016 President. Noah is a political science major at Lock Haven University, and would like to join the United States Air Force and go through OCS to become an intelligence officer following his graduation. He enjoys hiking, pole vaulting, and skiing in his free time.
The inductions and ceremonial events committee is responsible for helping lodges improve the quality of the full spectrum of their OA inductions, from conducting unit elections to the Vigil Honor, via classroom sessions and live evaluations of ceremonies teams.
Brett Randall - Shows Conference Vice Chief
“I’m very excited to deliver the conference’s message through engaging and exciting shows.”
Brett Randall hails from Spring, TX. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil honor member of Colonneh Lodge. Brett serves as section chief for SR-3, and is a recipient of the Founders Award and the James E. West Award. Brett is an accounting major at Baylor university, and he would like to earn a masters degree in accounting following his undergraduate career. He enjoys sports, climbing and reading in his free time.
The shows committee is responsible for the development, production, and staging of the opening show, recognition show, theme show, and supporting the American Indian show at the conference.
Jorge Salazar - Special Events Conference Vice Chief
“The conference gives us an opportunity to showcase our accomplishments and how we will build up on these to create a path for the future!”
Jorge Salazar hails from Montebello, CA. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil honor member of Tuku’ut Lodge. Jorge serves as section chief for W-4N. Jorge is a finance major at California State University, Los Angeles, and would like attend law school following his graduation. He enjoys Netflix, camping and reading in his free time.
The special events committee is responsible for all special events and activities, receptions, very important Arrowmen (VIA) luncheons, Distinguished Service Award (DSA) and Red Arrow reception and dinner, professional Scouter luncheon, meetings with national officers and committeemen, OA museum, and NOAC band and chorus.
Christopher Craig - Training Conference Vice Chief
“We have an incredible opportunity to establish opportunities for Arrowmen around the nation to have an impact on their lodge and the Order at the conference. I cannot wait to see what NOAC has to hold, and am excited beyond belief!!”
Christopher hails from Fredericksburg, VA. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil member of Es- Kaielgu Lodge. Chris serves as section chief for W-1E, and is a ScoutReach counselor. Chris is a political science and business administration major at Gonzaga University, and would like to attend law school after graduation. He enjoys club lacrosse, being a pre-orientation counselor and orientation guide, and being a student ambassador in his free time.
The training committee is responsible for planning, developing, and conducting all training programs and educational opportunities for both youth and adult Arrowmen, including the National Council of Chiefs (NCOC) session at the conference.