First African American CEO of Scouting America's East Carolina Council Departs

Dwayne Jones reflects on his impactful tenure leading the organization in Eastern North Carolina.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Dwayne Jones, the first African American CEO of Scouting America's East Carolina Council, has departed the organization after serving in the role since 2022. During his time leading the council, which serves 20 counties in Eastern North Carolina, Jones says he hopes he has been an inspiration to the community, particularly for young people of color. Several Eagle Scouts who worked with Jones shared fond memories of his leadership and welcoming presence.

Why it matters

Jones' appointment as the first African American CEO of the East Carolina Council was a significant milestone for the organization, which has historically lacked diversity in its leadership. His tenure provided representation and role modeling for youth in the region, demonstrating that people of color can ascend to the highest levels of Scouting America's leadership.

The details

Jones began working with Scouting America in the Washington D.C. area in early February 2026 after leading the East Carolina Council since 2022. During his time as CEO, Jones says he visited all 20 counties in the council's coverage area. Several Eagle Scouts, including Estevan Morales, Aydnn Young, and Christian Wiggins, shared positive experiences working with Jones and praised his welcoming, inspirational leadership style.

  • Jones began serving as CEO of Scouting America's East Carolina Council in January 2022.
  • Jones departed the East Carolina Council and began a new role with Scouting America in the Washington D.C. area in early February 2026.

The players

Dwayne Jones

The first African American CEO of Scouting America's East Carolina Council, who served in the role from 2022 until early 2026 when he departed for a new position with the organization in the Washington D.C. area.

Estevan Morales

An Eagle Scout who worked with Jones and praised his welcoming, inclusive leadership style.

Aydnn Young

An Eagle Scout who recalled fond memories and jokes shared with Jones during his time as CEO.

Christian Wiggins

An Eagle Scout who had the special experience of receiving his Eagle Scout medal directly from Jones, the CEO.

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What they’re saying

“Whenever I would walk into a room, he would always be the first one to walk up to me and say, 'Hey, how you doing?' He would welcome me over to his table and invite other people as well. He would make his presence known, make me feel known.”

— Estevan Morales, Eagle Scout (WITN)

“One joke I told him, he died laughing. I asked him, 'What's a pirate's favorite letter?' And you would think it would be 'R' but I said 'C,' and he just thought it was the funniest thing ever.”

— Aydnn Young, Eagle Scout (WITN)

“When I actually got my medal for being an Eagle Scout for the East Carolina Council, he was the one to give it to me, and that was a really cool experience, to be crowned by the CEO.”

— Christian Wiggins, Eagle Scout (WITN)

What’s next

Jones will begin his new role with Scouting America in the Washington D.C. area in early February 2026.

The takeaway

Jones' tenure as the first African American CEO of the East Carolina Council provided important representation and inspiration for youth, particularly young people of color, demonstrating that diverse leadership is possible even in longstanding organizations like Scouting America.