Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and
an advocate of children's rights, who become the first
professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America,
serving from 1911-1943. Upon his retirement from the BSA, West
was given the title of Chief Scout. When the new BSA office
opened in January 1911 West was at the helm and the movement
began to grow at a rapid pace. Sixty local councils were
organized in the first month of his tenure. One of his first
tasks was the first edition of Boy Scout Handbook. West was
instrumental in expanding the third part of the Scout Oath:
...To help other people at all times; to keep myself physically
strong, mentally awake and morally straight. He also pushed to
add three parts to the Scout Law: brave, clean, and reverent. In
November 1911 the title was changed and he became the first
Chief Scout Executive.