Gary Decker serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Scout Executive of the Great Falls Council, BSA based in Buffalo, NY. In this role, Gary is responsible for providing leadership to all facets of the Council’s financial, fundraising, membership, program, and partnership development operations. He is responsible for a staff of 20, and more than 8,000 youth members and adult volunteers in 15 counties throughout Western and the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.
Prior to the creation of the Great Falls Council in November 2024, Gary served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Western New York Scout Council. Gary also previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Five Rivers Council based in Horseheads, NY and as the Chief Operating Officer of the Seneca Waterways Council in Rochester, NY. He began his Scouting career with the Baden-Powell Council in Binghamton, NY; serving as a District Executive, Program Director, and Field Director.
An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow, Gary has been an active member of the Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years. He has served as the Course Director/National Staff Advisor for 14 National Camping Schools. Gary served on the Northeast Region Headquarters Staff for the 2010 National Jamboree. He is Wood Badge trained and has served on Wood Badge staff. Gary is a frequent presenter at BSA National and Area training courses and conferences.
Before working for the Boy Scouts, Gary held professional positions with Cornell University, the Century Council, and the State of New York. Gary earned a Bachelors Degree in Social Studies Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University at Albany. He is a graduate of Experience Buffalo and the New York State Public Management Internship Program for executive leadership. Gary was inducted into the Cortland High School Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame in 2022. Gary and his wife Lisa have two children, Matthew and Gary.