For Immediate Release
Lancaster, Pa. – Barley Snyder is pleased to announce that partner Jill Sebest Welch has been awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition a local Scouting America council can bestow upon a volunteer leader. The award was presented by Scouting America’s Pennsylvania Dutch Council in recognition of Welch’s exceptional service and longstanding commitment to Scouting and youth development.
The Silver Beaver Award is a council-level distinguished service award that recognizes registered adult volunteers who have made a significant impact on the lives of young people through service to their local Scouting council. Recipients are honored for distinguished service, leadership and dedication that exemplify the values of Scouting America.
Welch has served as president of Scouting America’s Pennsylvania Dutch Council since 2023, after previously serving as the Council’s Vice President of Leadership & Governance. She has been a member of the Council’s Executive Board since 2018 and has played a key role in supporting the organization’s mission and strategic direction.
In addition to her Council leadership responsibilities, Welch has been a Law Merit Badge Counselor, helping Scouts explore legal careers while developing an understanding of the justice system and civic responsibility. She also volunteers with Scout Troop 99 and Troop 99G, supporting youth programs and leadership development opportunities for Scouts.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of Scouting is watching young people develop confidence, leadership skills and a commitment to serving others,” Welch said. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to support an organization that helps young people reach their full potential while encouraging them to make a positive difference in their communities.”
Welch is a partner in Barley Snyder’s Employment and Litigation practice groups with more than 25 years of legal experience. She advises public and private employers on a wide range of labor and employment matters, represents clients in litigation and administrative proceedings, and serves as a trusted counselor on workplace and governance issues. Dedicated to giving back, Welch was named a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient by the Manheim Township Alumni Association, recognizing graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, and has served on the boards of the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board and the Lancaster Family YMCA.
“The Pennsylvania Dutch Council is proud to have Jill Welch represent us as Council President and as a recent recipient of the Silver Beaver Award,” said Matthew Klutzaritz, Scout Executive/CEO of Scouting America’s Pennsylvania Dutch Council. “It is no surprise that Jill was selected for this honor, as she has devoted countless hours to ensuring the success of Scouting throughout Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to our Scouts and volunteers make her truly deserving of this recognition.”
The Pennsylvania Dutch Council serves thousands of youths across Lancaster and Lebanon Counties through Scouting programs that emphasize leadership, service, outdoor adventure and personal growth. Welch was honored with the Silver Beaver Award at the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Recognition Reception held on Thursday, August 6 at the Lititz Moravian Congregation in Lititz, Pa.
About Barley Snyder
Barley Snyder is a law firm based in Pennsylvania with more than 120 attorneys practicing from offices located in Lancaster, York, Reading, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Malvern, Hanover, Gettysburg and Schuylkill Haven, Pa., and Hunt Valley and Columbia, Md. The firm serves businesses, individuals and organizations in all major areas of civil law including business, employment, immigration, employee benefits, finance & creditors’ rights, intellectual property, litigation, estate planning and administration, real estate, tax, construction, environment and energy, health care, education, municipal authority, hospitality, senior living, cybersecurity and food and agribusiness. www.barley.com | @BarleySnyder
Press contact: Elise Pini, Senior Marketing Coordinator | epini@barley.com | (717) 553-1059
