Mary Portis

Mary L. Portis
1953-1992
Housatonic Council
Boy Scouts
USA’s First Female
Scout Executive

In 1976, Mary Portis began her professional career in the Boy Scouts of America in Houston. She advanced in her career and eventually was eligible to be considered for the role of Scout executive, the chief executive officer responsible for the administration, financing, marketing, motivation, recruiting, and staffing required for successful council operations.

In 1990, the Derby-based Housatonic Council BSA, which encompasses the Lower Naugatuck Valley towns, was in search of a new Scout Executive. Mary Portis was identified as the top candidate and upon being hired became the first female Scout executive in the 80-year history of the Boy Scouts of America.

Mary was well known for her work with Scouting volunteers, donors and members of the community. All who knew her enjoyed her positive energy and enthusiastic attitude. Mary, who had studied journalism in college, was also very proud of her African American heritage, writing a Black History Month article for the local paper. She also spearheaded efforts to recruit youth from underserved neighborhoods.

Sadly, Portis died from cancer on Nov. 16, 1992, one day after her 39th birthday, 23 months after she had accepted the job in Derby. In her brief tenure as Scout executive, Mary Portis was a trail blazer for the women who have followed in her footsteps.