Christopher Fiorentino, a Bucks County native and graduate of Neshaminy High School, is the President of West Chester University, the largest of the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Fiorentino — who attended Bucks County Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from Temple University — said his proudest professional accomplishment was leading the effort to get WCU’s College of Business and Public Management accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a global nonprofit synonymous with the highest standards of excellence. Meanwhile, his greatest challenge was successfully navigating WCU through the pandemic.

He shared his perspective on leadership.

“From my perspective, to make a successful leader, you need to stay focused on the mission of the organization and surround yourself with good people,” said Fiorentino. “It’s important to empower your employees with authority and responsibility to do their jobs. I inspire others by leading responsibly and providing the organization’s vision while empowering employees to rise to the occasion and to be responsible for their outcomes.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — “Trustworthy” resonates the most with Fiorentino.

“Being trustworthy has had the greatest impact on my career/life,” he said. “I have found that having integrity and keeping my word and developing trust is the best tool a leader has.”

In addition to being named a VISTA Leadership Megastar, Fiorentino is also the recipient of the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America’s 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award. This award is annually given to someone who has wide influence in the professional community and who has provided significant and enduring contributions to society.

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Fiorentino and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 20 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Lisa Antonucci at Lisa.Antonucci@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 112.