NEXT could not be accomplished without strong youth leadership. During the 2015 National Planning Meeting, the section chiefs elected the NEXT conference vice chiefs (CVCs) that will lead the program of NEXT: A New Century. The CVCs are tasked with not only creating, but also delivering the program at NEXT. Learn more about these Arrowmen!
Experience: Patrick Mapp
“I’m excited to plan and produce a top-of-the-line experience for the delegates of NEXT.”
SR-9 Section Chief Patrick Mapp is from Flint River Council in Griffin, GA. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Ini-To Lodge, as well as the recipient of the Centurion and Founder’s Awards. Patrick is studying political science at Gordon State College. He enjoys hiking, white water rafting and spending time with his family and friends in his spare time. A fun fact about Patrick is that he spends his summers working at the Summit Bechtel Family Reserve.
Innovation: Tyler Harris
“I am super excited to see the change agents of the Order of the Arrow come together to explore a new style of leadership that embraces risks and failure, dares to asks new questions, and employs radical creativity.”
C-7 Section Chief Tyler Harris is from the Pathway to Adventure Council in Arlington Heights, IL. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Lakota Lodge. He studies finance and theology at the University of Notre Dame. In his spare time, he enjoys jazz, camping, social entrepreneurship, and cultural immersion. A fun fact about Tyler is that he has gone shark diving on the filming location for Shark Week. He cites a quote from Mark Twain as the inspiration for his committee: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Inspiration: Lane Randall
“NEXT is our chance to set the course for the Order of the Arrow’s second century.”
SR-2/3S Section Chief Lane Randall is from the Sam Houston Area Council in Houston, TX. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Colonneh Lodge. He studies marketing at the University of North Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling and graphic design. A fun fact about Lane is that he broke his arm playing tag when he was in the fourth grade.
Membership: Matthew Henry
“I’m looking forward to seeing how we shape the program to inform Arrowmen of membership problems.”
NE-5B Section Chief Matt Henry is from the Minsi Trails Council in Allentown, PA. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Witauchsoman Lodge, and is an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 84. Matt is studying political science at Lock Haven University. He enjoys watching and following politics and reading in his spare time. A fun fact about Matt is that he enjoys working at his council’s Cub Scout summer camp each summer.
Messaging: Forrest Gertin
“I’m excited to crystallize the message of NEXT so that members are prepared and motivated to effect meaningful change.”
NE-3A Section Chief Forrest Gertin is from the Seneca Waterways Council in Rochester, NY. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Tschipey Achtu Lodge. Forrest is a senior at McQuaid Jesuit High School. He enjoys cycling and debate in his free time. A fun fact about Forrest is that he has biked around Lake Ontario.
Program: Preston Podolske
“I am looking forward to see the future of the Order of the Arrow to shape itself from giant rocks to well-designed sculptures in every lodge across the country.”
C-1B Section Chief Preston Podolske is from the Bay Lakes Council in Appleton, WI. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Kon Wapos Lodge and is the recipient of the Founder’s Award. Preston is double majoring in accounting and finance at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He is a member of Alpha Phi Omega and enjoys biking and paddleboarding in his spare time. A fun fact about Preston is that he is color blind.
Strategy: Nate Steele
“With a new century of excellence behind us, I look forward to the innovative thoughts and practices that will launch us into a new century of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service.”
C-4B Section Chief Nate Steele is from the Muskingum Valley Council in Zanesville, OH. He is and Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Netawatees Lodge, as well as the recipient of the Venturing Leadership Award, the Silver Award and the Founder’s Awards. Nate is studying mechanical engineering at Ohio State University. He enjoys skiing, backpacking and exploring in his free time. A fun fact about Nate is that he is the proud owner of a tandem bicycle that he enjoys riding with his friends around campus.