During its meeting held from 22 to 24 November 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the World Scout Committee (WSC) approved the appointment of a new Treasurer and the Chairs for the five Standing Committees for the 2024-2027 triennium. The selection of these individuals builds on the recent open call for volunteers and was followed by a selection process in line with the WOSM Constitution and WSC Standing Orders.
The Treasurer of the WSC plays a pivotal role in overseeing the financial management, transparency, and accountability of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and is appointed as an ex-officio member of the WSC. Meanwhile, the WSC’s five Standing Committees (Constitutions Committee, Ethics Committee, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Honours and Awards Committee) contribute to the institutional compliance, financial stewardship, ethical conduct, and recognition processes of WOSM. The terms of reference for the WSC’s Standing Committees, as reviewed and approved by the WSC at its November 2024 meeting, can be accessed here.
The appointment of the WSC’s Treasurer and Chairs of the Standing Committees will be followed by an induction and onboarding process in each area of work. These individuals will also engage in the selection of volunteers to join each Standing Committee for the 2024-2027 Triennium, with the full group members to be shared in the first quarter of 2025 together with all other volunteer appointments that will contribute to the implementation of the World Triennial Plan.
Dan Ownby, WSC Treasurer
Dan Ownby, an Eagle Scout with over 40 years of experience in Scouting, has significantly impacted both the Scouting America and the global Scouting community. A lifelong volunteer, Dan has held numerous high-profile positions, including as an elected member of the World Scout Committee (2011-2017) where he led transformative initiatives, introducing enhanced systems of accountability and good governance across the World Scout Bureau, positively influencing key areas such as finance, human resources, and reporting. During his tenure, he took up the roles of Chairman of the WOSM Finance Committee (2011–2014) and Vice-Chairperson of the World Scout Committee (2014–2017). He authored the WOSM Financial Best Practices (2015), which set new standards for good financial management for the Movement, and led the task force that moved the World Scout Bureau office in 2014 to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
At the national level, Dan served as the National Chair (2022-2023) of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) National Executive Board and as a member of its National Executive Committee, where he led the organisation through one of the most complex bankruptcies in United States history. BSA emerged from bankruptcy having ensured the future of its charitable mission, established a multi-billion-dollar trust to compensate survivors of historical abuse in Scouting, implemented enhanced youth-protection measures, and successfully navigated the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. For these and other achievements, Dan was awarded the Bronze Wolf Award in 2019.
Brendon Hausberger, Chair of the WSC’s Constitutions Committee
Brendon Hausberger, the former Chief Scout of Scouts South Africa, brings over 30 years of Scouting experience to his new role on WSC’s Constitutions Committee. As the previous Chair of the Ethics Committee, he has driven an approach to organisational integrity, good governance, and youth inclusion. Brendon’s leadership in African regional and global forums underscores his commitment to promoting the unity of the Scout Movement and creating a safer, more accessible Scouting environment for all young people and volunteers.
Amal Ridene, Chair of the WSC’s Ethics Committee
Amal Ridene is a dedicated volunteer with Les Scouts Tunisiens, who served as National Sustainability Lead and a Co-Lead of the WOSM Events Workstream (2021-2024). As a former Youth Advisor to the World Scout Committee (2017-2021), and more recently as the Chairperson of the 43rd World Scout Conference, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Ethics Committee. With a background in private equity and climate finance, and a firm commitment to Scouting’s values and spirit, Amal has successfully led various initiatives to enhance youth engagement and sustainability in Scouting, while fostering inclusivity and amplifying the voices of young people in decision-making processes.
Nikketah Cuneo, Chair of the WSC’s Finance Committee
With 25 years in Scouts of Australia, Nikketah Cuneo has extensive Scouting experience and professional expertise as a Certified Practising Accountant, which will serve her well as the Chair of the WSC’s Finance Committee. As Deputy Chief Commissioner for Queensland and Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region Youth Engagement Sub-Committee, she has fostered strong governance and international collaboration across the Movement. Nikketah also has a strong track record of leadership in financial management and strategic planning, driving progress within Scouts of Australia and across the Scout Movement.
Scott Sorrels, Chair of the WSC’s Audit Committee
Scott Sorrels is a distinguished Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member who has been a transformative leader within Scouting America and World Scouting. As Co-Chair for the 24th World Scout Jamboree, he was pivotal in fostering cooperation between the National Scout Organizations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His outstanding contributions have been recognised with accolades such as the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope, and Bronze Wolf Award, underscoring his lifelong dedication to Scouting's mission.
A lawyer by profession, Scott has practised in the financial services area for more than 40 years, frequently advising corporate boards and individuals on auditing and regulatory matters. Scott holds a degree in accounting and a minor in finance and is a frequent speaker on corporate governance, corporate investigations, financial statement fraud and presentation issues, and audits and regulatory compliance.
Mari Nakano, Chair of the WSC’s Honours and Awards Committee
Mari Nakano is the current Chair of the Honours and Awards Committee and has dedicated decades to Scouting in Japan and globally. With a professional background in international relations and education, Mari has served in various leadership roles, including Deputy International Commissioner and member of the World Scout Committee. Her contributions to major World Scout events, such as the 23rd World Scout Jamboree, and her advocacy of innovation in Scouting exemplify her commitment to fostering unity in our Movement and excellence in Scouting. In 2017, Mari’s contributions to Scouting were recognised with the prestigious Bronze Wolf Award.