Walker Beard: From Scouting to Rotary
- Jessica Lee
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 7
We are proud to welcome Walker Beard as the newest member of the Rotary Club of the Capital City. Walker is a native of Cary, NC, and a proud Eagle Scout who earned Scouting’s highest rank in 2018. He also holds a B.S. in Public Administration from Appalachian State, equipping him with knowledge in public service and leadership. Today, Walker serves as the District Executive for the North Star District of the Occoneechee Council. In this role, he helps deliver Scouting programs to youth across central North Carolina. The North Star District alone spans parts of Wake, Franklin, and Warren counties and supports over 80 Scouting units with more than 1,600 youth. Overall, the Occoneechee Council serves about 8,300 young people in 12 Piedmont area counties, a testament to the wide reach of the organization Walker helps lead. In 2024, the council celebrated 351 new Eagle Scouts at its annual. In 2023, local Scouts contributed an impressive 44,774 hours of community service in their everyday work that ensures these kinds of successes continue, as Walker mentors volunteers, supports youth activities, and helps cultivate the next generation of leaders through Scouting.
Walker’s professional journey reflects a strong commitment to service and community. Prior to joining Occoneechee Council’s staff, he served as a District Staff Assistant to U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross in Raleigh. In that role, he worked on behalf of constituents in North Carolina’s 2nd District, assisting with community events, casework, and public outreach. Walker also gained experience in state government as an Administrative Specialist at the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, where he helped support the department’s administrative operations. In addition, he broadened his skill set in the private and nonprofit sectors: from 2020 to 2022, he worked as an Operations Manager and zipline guide at Hawksnest Zipline in the North Carolina mountains, leading outdoor adventure programs. He also completed internships with the N.C. Secretary of State’s office and with International Focus, a Raleigh-based nonprofit promoting cross-cultural understanding. This diverse background – spanning government, nonprofit, and outdoor leadership – has prepared Walker to connect with people from all walks of life and to handle challenges with confidence and creativity.
Walker’s dedication to leadership, service, inclusion, and integrity shines through in his life and career, aligning perfectly with Rotary’s values. As an Eagle Scout and now a Scouting professional, he has demonstrated leadership from a young age, mentoring youth and volunteers to achieve goals and live by the Scout Oath and Law. His record of public service, whether organizing community projects or helping citizens navigate government, exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Walker also shares Rotary’s commitment to inclusion. In Scouting, he has been part of efforts to welcome all youth into the program, including supporting the growth of co-ed Scouting opportunities. The Occoneechee Council that Walker serves has seen female youth membership climb by over 45% and youth of color membership by over 65% in recent reflecting a focus on diversity and access. Finally,
integrity has been a cornerstone of Walker’s journey – from upholding the ethics of Scouting to working in roles of public trust. He embodies the principle of doing what is right and honest, a trait Rotary deeply values in its members. In every way, Walker’s life of service and principle resonates with Rotary’s Four-Way Test and core values.
Join Us in Welcoming Walker Beard
Please join us in giving a warm Rotary welcome to Walker Beard! We are excited to have such an energetic and service-oriented leader become part of our Rotary family. Walker’s background in Scouting and public service will enrich our club’s discussions and community projects. He is eager to roll up his sleeves and continue making a positive impact through Rotary, working side by side with fellow members on service initiatives in our community.
Why We Serve
At the Rotary Club of the Capital City, we believe that lasting change starts with service, integrity, and leadership. Walker Beard’s journey from earning his Eagle Scout badge to guiding youth as a District Executive reflects the very principles that inspire our work. We serve because we know that when people come together with a shared purpose, we can strengthen our communities, open doors of opportunity, and make a difference that lasts for generations.
Want to Join Us
If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference—not just talk about it over breakfast, but actually roll up your sleeves and get to work—we’d love to have you at the table. Or in the field.
At Rotary, service comes in many forms. Maybe you’re mentoring the next generation like Walker Beard, building partnerships that strengthen a community, or helping a young Scout find the courage to lead. However you serve, there’s a place for you here.
Come for the service. Stay for the purpose. Lead with us. Serve with us. Grow with us.
7:30 AM every Tuesday at Carolina Country Club: Hot coffee, warm welcomes, and real opportunities to make a lasting impact, guaranteed.
We’re growing. We’re energized. And if you’re still reading, there’s a good chance you belong here. Come visit. Come serve. Come laugh.
Rotary Club of the Capital City – People of Action in Raleigh
Because service isn’t something we talk about. It’s something we do.
Great job Walker! Thanks for being part of the Club!