James E. West | |
|---|---|
&sq=Sri Lanka&lang=en&file=File:Jas._E._West_LCCN2014716877_(cropped).jpg) West in 1918 | |
| 1st Chief Scout Executive | |
| In office 1911–1943 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Elbert K. Fretwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Edward West May 16, 1876 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | May 15, 1948 (aged 71) |
| Resting place | Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York |
| Occupation | Chief Scout Executive |
| Known for | Boy Scouts of America |
| Awards | Silver Wolf Award Silver Buffalo Award Distinguished Service Award of the Order of the Arrow Honorary Alpha Phi Omega brother |
James Edward West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of children's rights, who became the first professional Executive Secretary, soon renamed Chief Scout Executive, of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), serving from 1911 to 1943. Upon his retirement from the BSA, West was given the title of Chief Scout.