The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is honored to recognize the 2024 NESA Distinguished Service Award recipients. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose outstanding leadership and dedication have impacted NESA and the Eagle Scout community.
Meet the 2024 Honorees:
Jay S. Bottorff, Michigan Crossroads Council, is a dedicated leader in Scouting alumni engagement, serving in key national and regional roles with the Scouting Alumni Association and NESA. While Chair of Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, he revitalized alumni involvement by recruiting 20 members and launching a newsletter reaching 8,000 Eagle Scouts. He also reestablished ties between Alpha Phi Omega and Scouting at the University of Detroit and ESMD, fostering long-term alumni engagement. His leadership helped raise $22,000 for a major project at D-bar-A Fire Bowl. An instructor at Philmont and a key contributor to NESA’s Volunteer Response and Awards Support teams, Jay has strengthened NESA’s outreach and effectiveness nationwide.
Brandon B. Kelly, Crossroads of the West & Transatlantic Council, is a driving force in strengthening NESA’s presence across multiple states. As a NESA’s Communications & Marketing Team member, he has contributed as a writer, photographer, and Action Officer, enhancing the association’s image and outreach. Previously serving as the NESA Chair for Utah (2004–2011), Brandon initiated and expanded Scouting alumni programs across multiple councils and states. His impact includes launching networking and job resource initiatives for young Eagle Scouts, personally recruiting 300 NESA members, and awarding 350 scholarships. A frequent keynote speaker at Eagle courts of honor, he has played a vital role in advancing NESA’s mission through service projects, fundraising for Eagle scholarships, and leadership training. Brandon’s dedication has left a lasting mark on NESA’s growth and effectiveness.
Ryan William Larson, National Council, who previously served as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations and NESA (2013–2019), transformed NESA’s outreach and operations. He launched the Scouting Alumni Association, developed essential databases, and led efforts to increase membership and retention. He also managed the Eagle Scout Directory, ensuring all new Eagle Scouts were engaged annually. Beyond data and operations, Ryan expanded NESA’s reach through social media growth and keynote appearances at gatherings nationwide. His innovations and leadership laid the foundation for NESA’s continued success, shaping how it engages and supports Eagle Scouts today.
Arthur F. “Mac” McLean III, Blue Ridge Council, is a dedicated NESA leader, serving on multiple national and regional committees and as staff for key events. He reviewed and updated the list of over 2,500 Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) recipients, ensuring the accuracy of NESA’s archives and databases. Given the volume of information and ongoing changes, he continues to provide monthly updates. Mac’s leadership has made a lasting impact on NESA’s membership, effectiveness, and historical records.
Previous recipients can be viewed on the NESA Distinguished Service Award Recipients page.
Each recipient exemplifies the principles of Scouting through exceptional leadership, dedication to NESA’s values, and contributions to the broader Scouting community. Join NESA in celebrating them at the Americanism Breakfast during Scouting America’s National Annual Meeting. Congratulations to the 2024 NESA Distinguished Service Award recipients!
About the NESA Distinguished Service Award
The NESA Distinguished Service Award was first established as a large plaque in 1976 and was awarded through 1988. Few people qualified for the award in subsequent years until 2020, when NESA renewed efforts to better acknowledge those who significantly contribute to the advancement of NESA, primarily on a national scale. The award now consists of a medal suspended by a ribbon worn about the neck, with a certificate, pin, and knot device.
