Board of Directors

Professional Career

Senior technology executive in financial services and health care. Pioneered online trading on Wall Street. Led transformative, agile software development and coached senior executives with a servant-leadership approach.

Scouting

Lifelong Scout and Scouter committed to living the Scout Oath and Law. Past board member of the Des Plaines Valley Area Council. Currently serves as District Commissioner for the PTAC Portage Creek District. Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, served on numerous camp staffs, and Wood Badge trained.

Professional Career

Highly experienced senior executive. Currently serves on the Protectoseal Company Board of Directors. Retired President of the Protectoseal Company and former Vice President and General Manager with ITW.

Scouting

Long-time Scouting volunteer. Currently serves on the PTAC Conservation Committee, Duke of Edinburgh Award Committee, and the Portage Creek District Nominating Committee. Silver Beaver recipient; Wood Badge trained; District Award of Merit. Past President of the Des Plaines Valley Council; past Central Region Area 7 Vice President of Membership; past Voyageur Trace District Chairman.

Professional Career

Michael “Mike” Benz is a retired partner of the Chicago law firm Chapman and Cutler LLP, where he built a distinguished career providing legal counsel to financial institutions and corporate clients. During his tenure at the firm, Mike developed a reputation for sound judgment, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to professional excellence.

Community Service

In addition to his legal career, Mike has been deeply engaged in civic and community service. He has served as a director on several nonprofit boards, contributing his legal expertise and governance experience to organizations focused on strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

Pay It Forward Scouting

Mike brings decades of leadership experience, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to service to the mission of Pay It Forward Scouting, helping ensure that financial barriers never prevent a young person from participating in the life-changing experiences that Scouting provides.

Professional Career

I was a “professional starving student” for as long as I could get away with it, and I got away with it for a very long time. Then, I worked for 19 years at a Chicago-based company that did infrastructure engineering design work for international projects. Next, I worked for 17 years as the Chief Systems Development Officer for a Madison, WI-based company that was a guarantor and servicer of student loans.

Scouting

Active member of Scouting for more than 70 years. Still excited about what the program offers to youth. Eagle Scout with palms, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. Currently serving as a Unit Commissioner in the Portage Creek District of the Pathway to Adventure Council, a member of the Portage Creek District committee, and a member of the Pathway to Adventure Council committee on International Scouting. Past board member of multiple councils. Wood Badge trained, and currently on staff for a Wood Badge course.