Florida native Peter Urscheler is the Mayor of the Borough of Phoenixville, where he describes the role as providing him with a unique opportunity to profoundly serve the community. 

“As Mayor, I’m not just responsible for the safety of our town, but I also have the privilege of setting the cultural tone for the community — a community where every person feels safe, loved, and celebrated,” said Urscheler.

Urscheler attended Stetson University, where he earned his bachelor’s in Business Administration; Marketing and Management Information Systems, and he credits Dr. H. Douglas Lee, who served as the President of Stetson University during his time as a student, with having a positive impact on his career.

“Dr. Lee was more than a university president; he was a mentor, a guiding force, and an inspiration,” said Urscheler. “His commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement shaped the way I view leadership and public service today.”

Lee also encouraged Urscheler to move to Phoenixville to pursue his first career, and during the countless hours Urscheler and Lee spent traveling to meet alumni and donors, Urscheler learned invaluable lessons about creating a positive culture, servant leadership, and strategic planning.

“One of his sayings, ‘Let your life speak,’ has stayed with me and continues to guide my decisions both personally and professionally,” stated Urscheler.

Throughout his career, Urscheler is most proud of his being elected Mayor of Phoenixville, as the accomplishment represents the culmination of his commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and creating a place where everyone belongs.

“It is deeply fulfilling to see the impact of this vision come to life through the initiatives we’ve pursued and the community we’ve built together,” he said.

Urscheler believes a successful leader is someone who deeply understands their role, even when it feels isolating.

“To lead effectively, it’s crucial to approach people with love and seek out what unites us,” he said. “Creating an environment where all voices can be heard and respected is key, especially one where people can live with dignity and contribute to the collective good. A leader must be a bridge — helping those they serve to progress and grow, knowing that one day, these individuals might surpass them, and that is not just acceptable, but it’s the very goal of leadership. Inspiring others involves setting this inclusive table and empowering everyone to contribute, nurturing the belief that the community’s strength lies in its diversity and collective effort.”

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

“In every challenge and opportunity, it’s been loyalty that has driven me to keep moving forward, to build strong relationships, and to lead with integrity,” he stated. “This quality has not only defined my career but has also been a guiding principle in my life.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Urscheler and the 11 other BSA VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 17, at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available at Boy Scouts of America. For more information, contact Kristin Conran at kristin.conran@scouting.org.