The Chickasaw Council, Scouting America, takes great pride in recognizing individuals whose leadership, generosity, and vision have made a lasting impact on our community and on the lives of young people. This year, we are honored to present the Distinguished Citizens Award to Johnny Pitts at our annual dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the FedEx Event Center (415 Great View Drive E., Suite 103, Memphis, TN). The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner.

Johnny’s connection to Scouting spans a lifetime. In 1965, at just 14 years old, he became one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the nation. The values he learned through Scouting have guided his extraordinary journey as a business leader, philanthropist, and dedicated servant to countless organizations throughout the Mid-South and beyond. His commitment to improving the lives of others has left an indelible mark on our community and serves as a shining example of the ideals Scouting seeks to instill in every young person.

As one of Scouting’s most devoted champions, Johnny has generously supported the mission of the Chickasaw Council for decades. It is fitting that we celebrate not only his remarkable accomplishments, but also his unwavering belief in the power of Scouting to prepare young people for lives of leadership, character, and service.

The Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner is Chickasaw Council’s premier fundraising event, with proceeds directly supporting more than 5,000 youth served annually throughout Shelby County, Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; and fifteen counties in the Mississippi Delta. Because of your friendship with Johnny and your commitment to strengthening our community, we respectfully invite you to join us in honoring him through a generous sponsorship or contribution. Whether or not you are able to attend, your support will help ensure that future generations have access to the life-changing opportunities Scouting provides.

Johnny now joins an extraordinary group of Distinguished Citizens honorees, including Karl Schledwitz, Lewis Williamson, Edward Dobbs, Tyrone Burroughs, Carolyn Hardy, Jimmy Lackie, Billy Orgel, Bryan Jordan, Brad Martin, Rudi Scheidt, Pitt and Barbara Hyde, Jack Moore, Billy Dunavant, Lewis Donelson, Dr. Scott Morris, Lester Crain, Jim McGehee, Peter Schutt, the Kemmons Wilson Family, and Steve Reynolds.