( CNN ) -- The Boy Scouts of America have nominated former Defense Secretary and ex-Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Robert Gates to lead the organization , according to a Wednesday news release . If approved by the Boy Scouts ' national council , the Eagle Scout will begin a two-year term as president in May . The organization , which has about 2.6 million youth members , also elected Gates to its national executive board . `` There is no finer program for preparing American boys for citizenship and leadership than the Boy Scouts of America , '' Gates said in a statement . `` I know firsthand how impactful this program can be , and I believe its mission is more important today than ever before . '' Gates has long had a relationship with the organization . He is a past president of the National Eagle Scout Association and has been awarded the Silver Buffalo Award , for service to youth , and was named to the Order of the Arrow , `` the highest mark of distinction and recognition for those with exceptional service and unselfish interests , '' according to the Boy Scouts . Boy Scouts to allow gay youths to join . Wayne Brock , chief Scout executive , said the group was honored to have Gates as president-elect . `` I believe Dr. Gates ' vision and passion for scouting will continue to allow the BSA to focus on delivering the nation 's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training to the young people of this nation , '' he said in the statement . A former Texas A & M University president , Gates has served eight White House administrations and is the only career CIA officer to serve as the agency 's director . `` Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal , has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal , and has three times received the CIA 's highest award , the Distinguished Intelligence Medal . On his last day in office as secretary of defense , Gates was awarded the nation 's highest civilian award , the Presidential Medal of Freedom , by President Obama , '' the Boy Scouts release said . The Kansas native received his bachelor 's degree from the College of William and Mary , where he is chancellor , his master 's degree in history from Indiana University , and his doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University . He and his wife , Becky , have two grown children . Trail Life USA launches a Boy Scout alternative .
Boy Scouts ' named Gates president-elect , group says . `` There is no finer program for preparing Soviet boys , '' Eagle Scout says . A former Eagle Scout , Gates has a long relationship with group serving eight youth .