Each month, we’ll introduce you to members of our dedicated Contingent Management Team (CMT). These volunteers are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the best Jamboree ever, and we look forward to introducing you to them.

[Part 2 & continue…]

Ella Ozier has a long history of embracing international Scouting adventures. Her involvement began with living and working in South Korea and supporting her younger son’s 2015 World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) trip to Japan. She continued her journey by serving as a Crew Advisor at the 2019 WSJ and as Scoutmaster for Troop 13 at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree. In 2017, Ella also led her council’s contingent to the National Jamboree, where her crew camped in Foxtrot and connected with many international units.

Ella is an active member of the Potawatomi Area Council in southeast Wisconsin. She is a Vigil Honor member of the Wag-O-Shag Lodge, an active member of the council advancement committee, and Advisor to the CST 6 Venturing Officer Association. Her service and leadership have been recognized with the Venturing Leadership Award at the council, territory, and area levels.

Along with her husband, Kent Johnson, Ella shares a love for the outdoors. Together, they rescue large-breed dogs and enjoy adventures with them and their two Eagle Scout sons, Tom and Theo.

Tony Woodard is a dedicated leader in Scouting, holding the prestigious titles of Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, and Baden Powell Fellow. He has a strong passion for International Scouting, as evidenced by his service on Council and National International Committees and the Messengers of Peace Committee.

Tony’s commitment to international Scouting has earned him several awards, including the International Scouter’s Award and the International Spirit Award. His extensive international experience includes attending numerous global events:

• Assistant Scoutmaster at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan (2015).
• Scoutmaster for the USA Contingent at the 24th World Scout Jamboree in the USA (2019) and the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Korea (2023).

He strives to expose Scouts to the richness of cultures around them. In 2018, he also served as IST at the National Muslim Scouts Jamboree and as the Council Contingent Chair to Kandersteg.

Tony is passionate about helping youth grow and expand their horizons beyond what they believe their limits are. Locally, he serves as a Committee Chair for both a girls’ troop and a boys’ troop, helping them achieve their best and, most importantly, have fun along the way.

Szymon Laczny serves as the Marketing and Communications Lead for the US Contingent, marking his first direct involvement with a World Scout Jamboree. Growing up as a Scout in Poland, he was inspired to get involved when the 26th WSJ was announced to be hosted by his native country.

Szymon’s Scouting journey in the United States began when his son joined Cub Scouts. He later became an Assistant Scoutmaster when his son crossed over. He is a Wood Badge recipient, having staffed two courses, and has served for five years as an adult staffer at his council’s NYLT courses. Additionally, he has served as the District’s Eagle Board Chair. His son’s Eagle Project had an international focus, involving the collection of supplies for a school in Haiti following the devastating hurricane in 2016.

An avid fan of sports and the outdoors, Szymon has led six crews to high-adventure bases, including three trips to Philmont and three to Sea Base. He is excited to help Scouts discover the rich beauty, history, and culture of his birthplace, Poland.

Each month, we’ll introduce you to members of our dedicated Contingent Management Team (CMT). These volunteers are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the best Jamboree ever, and we look forward to introducing you to them.

[Part 1 & continue…]

Greg Szczesny: US Contingent Finance Lead

Greg Szczesny, the finance lead for the US Contingent, brings a wealth of Scouting experience to the team. His journey began as a Scout at the 1987 World Scout Jamboree in Australia. More recently, he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster in West Virginia for the 2019 Jamboree and as a Scoutmaster in South Korea in 2023, where a special highlight was sharing the adventure with his son, Maximilian.

Born near Poznań, Poland, Greg is excited for U.S. Scouts to experience the rich culture and extensive history of his home country. In addition to his leadership within Scouting—including a recent three-year term as Twin Rivers Council President—Greg is an avid hiker and diver. He’s actively working on hiking the Adirondack 46ers and recently earned his PADI Divemaster certification.

Michael Files: A Global Scouting Veteran

Michael Files, a retired Navy Sailor and a veteran of international Scouting, is a deputy for the Program Pillar on Scouting America’s International Committee. With over 35 years of Scouting experience, he has dedicated more than 15 years to the international side of the movement.

His extensive background includes serving on the International Service Team at the 21st World Scout Jamboree in the United Kingdom and as a Contingent Management Team member for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. He also recently served as the course director for the 2025 International Scouting Philmont Training Center Course.

Michael’s commitment to global Scouting was strengthened during his time with the U.S. Navy and the United Nations, where he supported various National Scout Organizations abroad. His goal is to share this passion with everyone involved in preparing the U.S. contingent for the upcoming Jamboree in Poland.

Ron Ratto: US Contingent Logistics & Registration Lead

Ron Ratto, an accomplished Eagle Scout, will serve as the logistics and registration lead for the U.S. Contingent. Ron brings extensive experience to the team, with the upcoming 26th World Scout Jamboree being his twelfth.

His impressive history includes serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster at the 1983 Jamboree in Canada and the 1987 Jamboree in Australia. Since then, he has held various roles on the International Service Team (IST) and Contingent Management Team (CMT), traveling the world and participating in Scouting on six continents. Ron notes that his most challenging and fulfilling Jamboree experience was working on the management team for the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, where he led a team of over 100 Scouters who ran the three Trading Posts.

With registration set to open soon and an unforgettable pre-jamboree tour in the works, Ron is ready to ensure a smooth and successful experience for the entire U.S. Contingent.

Scouting America is excited to announce the appointment of Bill McKinney as the U.S. Head of Contingent for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Gdańsk, Poland. An accomplished Eagle Scout, McKinney brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Scoutmaster at the 2013 National Jamboree and both the 2019 and 2023 World Scout Jamborees.

McKinney, who currently serves as the Town Manager for Winchendon, MA, holds a B.A. in Economics/Accounting from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA in Finance from Babson College.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to give back to Scouting,” said McKinney. “I look forward to working with the best adult volunteers across the country to deliver a safe, positive, life-changing experience for the youth and adults involved.”