Adult Leadership
Adult Leadership for Troop 144
Led by Committee Chairman Aaron Lyles, the Troop Committee consists of numerous parent volunteers who deal with the organizational and administrative necessities of running Troop 144, such as organization, advancement, bookkeeping, fundraising, planning, Eagle mentoring, and merit badge counseling.
Troop 144 welcomed its newest Scoutmaster Stefan Peniston this spring. We have several BSA-trained Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs) who serve as mentors and guides for the boys during weekly meetings, activities, and campouts. All of the Assistant Scoutmasters report to the Scoutmaster, who has responsibility for the overall functionality of the Troop and support of the Senior Patrol Leader, who holds the highest youth leadership position in the Troop.
Troop 144 Committee
The Troop Committee is made up of a chairperson and other committee members who help the youth leaders
by providing oversight of communication, advancement, outdoor programming, and fundraising.
The committee typically meets the first Sunday of every month, from 7:00-8:30 PM, often via Zoom. All parents are welcome to attend, and we encourage you to participate in making Troop 144 a success. The committee meeting is also a great opportunity to find out what is going on and what sorts of things make a successful scouting program possible.
The Troop expects that all parents will be involved, either as registered leaders or as volunteers for various activities and fundraising.
Committee Structure and Position Descriptions
Troop Parent Handouts.pdfTroop 144 Key Three
Scoutmaster Stefan Peniston
Mr. Peniston became Troop 144's Scoutmaster in the Spring of 2023. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Cub Scout leader and has two sons in the troop. Stefan is a United States Marine Veteran and is passionate about leading young men. He is an outdoor enthusiast and loves camping, fishing, and hiking. He is most passionate about helping young people be their best selves. To contact Stefan, please email Troop144scoutmasterleader@gmail.com.
Committee Chair Aaron Lyles
Mr. Lyles has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2015. He served as a Cub Scout leader on the committee for Pack 144 and then crossed over into Troop 144 as a committee member in 2016. He has served as Committee Chair since 2019. Aaron is also the proud father of an Eagle Scout.
Charter Organization Representative Tom Howard
Mr. Howard has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2013. He served as a Cub Scout den leader and Cubmaster for Pack 144 from 2013-2018. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 144 from 2016-2019, and Scoutmaster for Troop 144 from 2019-2023. In addition, he has served on and led various committees within Etowah District and Mecklenburg County Council including as an adult trainer for Basic Adult Leadership Outdoor Orientation, Outdoor Leadership Skills (iOLS), and Wood Badge. He is BALOO-, OLS- and Wood Badge-trained and is the proud father of an Eagle Scout.
Troop 144 Assistant Scoutmasters
Assistant Scoutmaster Gary Snyder
Mr. Snyder has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2011. He served as a Cub Scout den leader, treasurer and Committee Chair for Pack 144 from 2011 to 2016, and then crossed over into Troop 144 where he has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster ever since. Gary is BALOO- and OLS- trained, and is the proud father of an Eagle Scout.
Assistant Scoutmaster
Kathy Peniston
Kathy Peniston has been an Assistant Scoutmaster since March 2023. Kathy enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her family. As a mom of two Scouts in Troop 144, Kathy has enjoyed spending time camping, exploring, and learning new things in this role. She is grateful for the experience of working with the Scouts and helping them reach their Scouting potential while having fun. She is OLS-trained.
Assistant Scoutmaster Kevin Ellis
Mr. Ellis has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2006. He has served in various roles for Pack 144 and Troop 144 including many years as Committee Chair, and he has led countless trips including several crews to Philmont and Seabase. Kevin is OLS- trained, and is the proud father of three Eagle Scouts.
Assistant Scoutmaster Joe Balent
Mr. Balent has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2006. He has served in various roles for Pack 144 and Troop 144 including committee member and now Assistant Scoutmaster. He has led countless trips including several crews to Philmont and Seabase. Joe is OLS- and Wood Badge-trained, and is the proud father of two Eagle Scouts.
Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Fish
Mr. Fish has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2011. He served as a Cub Scout assistant den leader for Pack 86 and Pack 144 from 2011 to 2016, and then crossed over into Troop 144 where he has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster ever since. Ron is OLS- trained, and is the proud father of an Eagle Scout.
Assistant Scoutmaster John Wallace
Mr. Wallace has been involved with Scouting as an adult leader since 2015. He served as a Cub Scout leader for Pack 144 and then crossed over into Troop 144 where he has served on the committee and as an Assistant Scoutmaster. John is BALOO and OLS- trained, and is the proud father of a Star Scout.