Girl Scouts of the USA Announces New CEO Bonnie Barczykowski, a Decade-Long Veteran of the Organization

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Girl Scouts of the USA Press Room
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NEW YORK, NY (January 27, 2023)—Girl Scouts of the USA announced Bonnie Barczykowski will become the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), effective February 13, 2023. Her appointment follows the decision of current CEO Sofia Chang to resign from the organization. They will transition leadership responsibilities through the month of February.

“Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We accomplish this by empowering them throughout every stage of their Girl Scout journey,” said GSUSA National Board Chair Karen P. Layng. “Like all leaders across our Movement, Bonnie is dedicated to ensuring that girls have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to lead today and into the future. Bonnie is ready to build on her decade of experience at Girl Scouts and continue to elevate Girl Scouting across this country and around the world. The Board respects Sofia’s decision to resign. Though she will be missed by so many, she will always be part of the Girl Scouts family. We are grateful for all she has contributed and for the transition already underway.”

Ms. Barczykowski is a decade-long veteran of the Girl Scouts, having served since 2012 as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri council. During her tenure, Ms. Barczykowski and her Board built a compelling strategic vision that expanded access for girls across the region, transformed program experiences and engaged community partners. As part of her strategic vision, she led a $50 million "Her Future is Our Future” campaign to fund capital projects, scholarships, programs, and the organization’s endowment.

“Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead – in their communities, workplaces, and homes,” said Ms. Barczykowski. “I witnessed firsthand our six-year-old Daisies become Seniors in high school. I watched them grow, develop skills and become the courageous and confident leaders they want and the world needs them to be. I am honored to lead the organization nationally, in partnership with Girl Scout volunteers and staff, to help girls thrive. Working together, we will ensure Girl Scouts remains the force our founder always intended it to be.”

As CEO, Ms. Chang brought a strong track record of successful commercial experience to her position and served as a role model for girls across Girl Scouts. She leaves a solid strategic, operational, and cultural foundation in place for the organization’s future. She also partnered with Girl Scout Councils to secure $100 million in gifts and grants for girls.

“The opportunity to lead such an iconic institution has been an exciting and fulfilling challenge,” said Ms. Chang. “Girl Scouts is well positioned to continue moving forward with Bonnie at the helm. I’m forever inspired by the girls and women across Girl Scouts – from the 50 million alumni to the millions of current Girl Scouts who will become the leaders of tomorrow. I leave knowing they will make the world a better place. I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for Girl Scouts and I wish Bonnie and the team at GSUSA much success in leading this Movement forward.”

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