Russ Swenson Bio

Russell F. Swenson, CMP

A 59 year veteran with the Boy Scouts of America, Russ Swenson, CMP started his Scouting career as a Boy Scout in Worcester, MA.  He became an Eagle Scout in 1955.  He continued his involvement with Scouting as a volunteer Scout Leader until March 1967 when he joined the staff of the Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of America and was commissioned as a District Scout Executive.  He then worked for the Philadelphia Council, BSA from 1973 to 1980, then as the Council Executive in Middletown, NY from 1980 to 1982.  He then served the Westchester-Putnam Council in White Plains, NY in several positions, until he was called to serve on the National Staff in 1992.  He served Associate Regional Director for Northeast Region of the Boy Scouts of America until his retirement in 2003.    His responsibilities included planning up to 25 meetings a year and as staff advisor to three National Jamborees as well as three World Jamborees in Holland, Chile and Thailand.

Russ has received numerous awards and recognition by the Boy Scouts of America include the Daniel Carter Beard Scouter Award, Silver Beaver Award, James E. West Fellow, International Scouter’s Award, Wood Badge and Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow.

His military service for eight years was with U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserve.  Other organizations where he has been a member or have served in a leadership role include Society of Association Executives, Middlesex-Mercer (New Jersey) Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Port Chester (New York) Rotary Club.   Russ earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Clark University, Worcester, MA majoring in History, Political Science and Sociology.  Post graduate courses included accounting and public relations at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

A member of Meeting Professionals International since 1992, He is Past President of the New Jersey Chapter, and served in several committees, as well as officer and Board of Director roles.  Russ currently serves as Ambassador for Membership Committee.  He also served with the Special Interest Group Task Force for 3 years on the MPI International level. 

Honors, Awards and Recognitions include certification as Certified Meeting Professional by the Convention Industry Council in1998, Chapter Leader of the Year 1999, 2000, 2001 and Meeting Planner of the Year 1998 and 1999 with the New Jersey Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. 

Russ has been recently honored by the Convention Industry Council with Emeritus status as a Certified Meeting Professional.   The Convention Industry Council (CIC) bestowed the honor following a rigorous application and examination process that demonstrates Meeting Management skills, professional experience, educational achievement, and exemplary contributions in the field.  There are over 13,000 certified meeting professionals in 35 countries word wide and only 58 have received the emeritus recognition. 

Since retirement, he has been volunteering his meeting planning skills with his old office at the Northeast Region as well as at the Central New Jersey Council, BSA.  Additionally, he has conducted presentations for Boy Scout career professionals regarding the art of meeting negotiating, and food and beverage tips for fund raising and recognition events.  He has been negotiating contracts and doing scripting and on-site management as a volunteer since retirement in 2003 and is the meeting manger for Northeast Region Retiree Reunions. 

Russ and his wife, Jeanne, live in Monmouth Junction, NJ.  They have two married children and four grandchildren in central New Jersey and in East Fishkill, NY.

Russell F. Swenson, CMP    

80 Kingsland Circle                                                                                                    
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Phone:   732-274-2942

Email:  RussSwenson@comcast.net

Prepared: January 5, 2009

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