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Alan Franks is the new executive director of the Pony Express Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Pony Express Council is hoping a man with enthusiasm, personal energy, creative ideas, a smile and a warm handshake can make a difference as its new Boy Scout leader.

Council members hired Alan Franks, an Eagle Scout who’s from Fremont, Ohio. He has worked as a Boy Scout executive for more than 14 years in Ohio while raising two daughters with his wife, Lauri.

“Mr. Franks came across as an impressive individual who has a real passion for scouting,” said Bill McMurray, the Buchanan County public administrator and a Pony Express Council member.

The council brought in three final candidates for the executive director position after conducting a nationwide search and chose the best one, said Ken Siemens, a local attorney and the current president of the Pony Express Council.

“This council is definitely a good one,” Mr. Franks said. “I’d heard about the Pony Express Council, which is steeped in tradition, has Camp Geiger and the legendary Mic-O-Say as well as the fact that it runs some really successful programs.”

The new leader’s family is staying in Ohio until its home is sold, so Mr. Franks took the opportunity to stay on the grounds at Camp Geiger.

It’s a chance to get to know the campgrounds, meet groups that come on the weekends and improve on personal physical fitness goals, Mr. Franks said.

One of the ideas percolating in the back of Mr. Franks’ mind is a program to allow Cub Scouts and their families to experience the outdoors together. Another idea involves the creation of a grown up pinewood derby that would involve local corporations.

Mr. Frank’s first week in office involved settling into a new office, learning the council’s computer system, listening to support staff and meeting lots of people in the community.

“It’s obvious the commitment of scout leaders, volunteers, staff and council members is a key ingredient to the continued success,” Mr. Franks said.

Mr. Franks attended the “Friends of Scouting” kickoff dinner Wednesday for St. Joseph’s Robidoux District, Mr. McMurray said. The district wants to raise $150,000 for the local program, Mr. Franks said.

In addition to a large number of Scout leaders and volunteers, Mr. Franks supervises five professional scout executives and four support staff at the regional office, as well as a ranger at Camp Geiger.

Marshall White can be reached

at marshall@npgco.com.