Howell Resident Named President of Local Boy Scouts Council

Since it was founded in 1917 the Monmouth County Council of the Boy Scouts of America had until recently been led by 23 people. Recently named as the 24th is Kurt M. Kalafsky who was named as the council's newest president. 

Scouting in Monmouth County is nothing new to Kalafsky having earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 71 in Oakhurst and has stayed involved ever since. 

In a press release from the Council Kalafsky said he was looking forward to his new assignment. "I am honored that the nominating committee has the confidence in me to lead this great organization as we move toward our 100th year of serving the youth of Monmouth County," he said. 

Kalafsky credited his parents for his involvement in scouting all these years. "I thank my parents for instilling in me my belief that service to others, particularly our children and our fellow citizens is a responsibility all of us should hold in the highest regard," he said. 

He also credited his wife with, "sharing me with an organization that I am so proud to be a part of."

Along with earning his Eagle Scout rank Kalafsky has been honored by the Boy Scouts in a variety of ways. He is a Silver Beaver recipient, a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association and a James E. West Fellow. He has also "received the Vigil Honor from the Na Tsi Hi Lodge with the Order of the Arrow, the District Award of Merit and has staffed three Wood Badge courses," the release said. 

Before being named Council President Kalafsky has also served as an adult leader for Howell's Troop 515 and the Chartered Organization Representative for Pack 7 which is sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Howell. He has also spent 10 years on the Executive Board for the Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America as the Chairman of the Properties Committee. He has also been Vice President of Administration the past four years.

In addition to his work with the scouts Kalafsky has also coached Pop Warner football for more than 18 years and was on served on the executive board and as Division Commissioner of the Jersey Shore Pop Warner Football League. 

Kalafsky serves as the Principal and Chief Technology Officer of the Aztec Corporation and Aztec Architects in Iselin. He is a member of the NAIOP Community Action Committee "where he has lent his expertise to help build parks in urban areas across the state," the release said. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Prince of Peace.