The Leatherstocking Council, Boy Scouts of America, is proud to announce the appointment of Karen Murphy as its new Development Director. With a strong background in community engagement and philanthropy, Karen brings a wealth of experience to the Council and will play a vital role in building and strengthening relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and the broader business community.

In her new role, Karen will focus on connecting community members with the mission of Scouting by sharing the real-life success stories of local youth and highlighting the profound impact that Scouting has on shaping future leaders. She will also lead initiatives to grow financial support and deepen the Council’s engagement with businesses and civic leaders across the region.

Karen joins the Leatherstocking Council from The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), where she led successful outreach campaigns and community development efforts. Her passion for youth development and dedication to community building make her an exciting addition to the team.

“I’m thrilled to be part of an organization that makes such a lasting difference in young people’s lives,” said Murphy. “Scouting teaches resilience, leadership, and service—values our world needs now more than ever. I look forward to working with our donors and community partners to ensure even more youth have access to these life-changing opportunities.”

Scout Executive Ray Eschenbach expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire, saying,

“Karen brings energy, creativity, and a genuine commitment to the mission of Scouting. Her ability to connect with people and share the meaningful outcomes of our programs will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve more families in our region.”

Council President Kirk Evans also shared their support, adding,

“Karen’s leadership will strengthen our ties with the community and help ensure that Scouting continues to thrive for generations to come. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make.”

The Leatherstocking Council, BSA serves thousands of young people across Central New York through programs that foster leadership, outdoor adventure, citizenship, and personal growth. With Karen Murphy’s guidance and partnership, the Council is poised to reach even greater heights in delivering the promise of Scouting to every youth who seeks it.

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