Virginia Beach, Va. – Retired Naval Commander Erich Röetz was recently appointed as Council Commissioner of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America. In this role, he is responsible for unit service supporting 5,300 youth and 2,400 adults in Scouting throughout Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.

Röetz began Scouting at an early age. As a youth, he was a member of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Tanah Keeta Scout Reservation’s camp staff, and the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society.

As an adult, Röetz volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America in many roles, including Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Associate Crew Advisor, Crew Advisor, National Youth Leadership Training staff, Wood Badge staff and course director, National Scout Jamboree Scoutmaster and Crew Advisor, Order of the Arrow Lodge Advisor, Executive Board Member, Council Vice President, and now Council Commissioner.

Röetz has earned many accolades in Scouting, including Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, Scoutmaster of the Year, Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, Crew Leader’s Key, Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award, William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award, and Arrow of Light.

Röetz graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in systems engineering. After receiving a commission in the United States Navy, he attended Navy flight school.

Throughout his naval career, Röetz served as a Safety Officer, Chief Evaluation Pilot, Model Manager, Lead Instructor Pilot, Assistant Director of Operations, Chief Maintenance Officer, Senior Department Head, Aviation Resources Program Manager, Director of Air Operations, Chief of Test Execution and Support, and Chief of Communications Systems. Upon his retirement, he assumed a fleet training position with Tactical Training Group Atlantic.

About Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America

Tidewater Council is the 5th oldest Boy Scouts of America council in the United States, established in 1911. Today, the council serves over 5,300 youth and 2,400 adult volunteers in the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, as well as the North Carolina counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans. Boy Scouts of America is one of the world’s largest youth organizations. More information about Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America is available by visiting www.tidewaterbsa.com, emailing james.parnell@scouting.org, or calling 757-497-2688.

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