The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is one of the most iconic nonprofit organizations in the United States. It empowers young girls to develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of community. At the helm of this impactful organization is its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who plays a critical role in driving its mission forward.
In this post, we’ll explore the current Girl Scouts CEO, Bonnie Barczykowski, her background, achievements, and the salary trends of past CEOs. If you’re curious about how nonprofit leadership compensation works and how it aligns with the organization’s goals, you’re in the right place.
Who Is the Current CEO of Girl Scouts?
The current CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA is Bonnie Barczykowski. She assumed the position in 2023 and is dedicated to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to join the Girl Scouts, amplify their voices, and develop essential leadership skills.
Bonnie brings a wealth of experience to her role, having served for over a decade as the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. During her tenure there, she:
- Expanded access for girls across the region.
- Transformed program experiences to better engage communities.
- Successfully led a $50 million fundraising campaign.
Before her work in the nonprofit sector, Bonnie spent ten years leading one of the largest global chains of fitness centers for women. This diverse experience gives her a unique perspective on leadership, strategy, and community engagement.
She holds both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lindenwood University.
Girl Scouts CEO Salary: What Do We Know?
The salary of the Girl Scouts CEO varies depending on the fiscal year and the individual holding the position. As a nonprofit organization, the Girl Scouts of the USA publicly discloses its executive compensation through Form 990 filings.
Here’s a breakdown of recent CEO salaries:
1. 2023 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2023)
- Sofia Chang (CEO): $785,058
- Additional Compensation: $20,483
2. 2022 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2022)
- Judith N. Batty (Interim CEO): $550,575
- Additional Compensation: $2,358
3. 2021 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2021)
- Sylvia Acevedo (Former CEO): $1,223,998
- Additional Compensation: $352,927
4. 2020 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2020)
- Sylvia Acevedo (CEO): $687,756
- Additional Compensation: $44,376
5. 2019 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2019)
- Sylvia Acevedo (CEO): $625,980
- Additional Compensation: $46,301
6. 2018 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2018)
- Sylvia Acevedo (CEO): $551,186
- Additional Compensation: $47,341
7. 2017 (Fiscal Year Ending September 2017)
- Sylvia Acevedo (CEO, starting June 1, 2017): $259,364
- Additional Compensation: $20,037
- Anna Maria Chavez (Former CEO, through June 14, 2016): $548,685
- Additional Compensation: $33,436
As you can see, the CEO’s salary has fluctuated over the years based on the individual in the role, their tenure, and the organization’s financial position.
How Does the CEO Salary Reflect the Organization’s Mission?
Nonprofit organizations like the Girl Scouts must strike a balance between compensating their leaders fairly and staying true to their mission. The CEO’s salary is determined by several factors, including:
- The size and scope of the organization.
- The complexity of its programs and initiatives.
- The need to attract and retain top talent in the nonprofit sector.
For an organization as large and impactful as the Girl Scouts, offering competitive compensation helps ensure strong leadership. The CEO oversees a vast network of councils, programs, and fundraising efforts that directly impact millions of girls nationwide.
Bonnie Barczykowski’s Vision for the Girl Scouts
Since becoming CEO in 2023, Bonnie Barczykowski has focused on expanding access to Girl Scouts programs and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to participate. Her leadership emphasizes:
- Inclusivity: Making Girl Scouts accessible to girls from all backgrounds.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening relationships with local communities to enhance program delivery.
- Modernization: Adapting the Girl Scouts’ programs to meet the needs of today’s youth, including STEM education and digital skills.
Bonnie’s background in fundraising and strategic planning positions her well to lead the organization into the future.
The Importance of Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
Strong leadership is crucial for nonprofit organizations like the Girl Scouts. The CEO’s role goes beyond day-to-day operations; they are responsible for:
- Setting the strategic vision for the organization.
- Building relationships with donors and stakeholders.
- Ensuring financial sustainability.
- Advocating for the organization’s mission on a national and global scale.
Under Bonnie Barczykowski’s leadership, the Girl Scouts aim to continue their legacy of empowering girls while adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Past CEOs and Their Contributions
The Girl Scouts of the USA has been fortunate to have a series of dedicated leaders who have shaped the organization over the years.
Sylvia Acevedo (2017–2021)
- Focused on STEM education and modernizing Girl Scouts programs.
- Advocated for diversity and inclusion within the organization.
- Oversaw significant fundraising efforts.
Judith N. Batty (Interim CEO, 2020–2021)
- First Black woman to serve as CEO of GSUSA.
- Steered the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anna Maria Chavez (2011–2016)
- Championed leadership opportunities for girls from underserved communities.
- Expanded the organization’s reach through innovative programs.
Each leader has left a lasting impact, contributing to the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character.
The Future of Girl Scouts Under Bonnie Barczykowski
As the Girl Scouts move forward under Bonnie Barczykowski’s leadership, the organization is poised for growth and innovation. Key priorities include:
- Expanding STEM and digital literacy programs.
- Enhancing accessibility for girls in underserved areas.
- Strengthening partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Bonnie’s proven track record in fundraising and program development will be instrumental in achieving these goals.
Conclusion
The Girl Scouts CEO plays a vital role in ensuring the success and sustainability of this beloved nonprofit organization. From Bonnie Barczykowski’s vision and leadership to the salary trends of past CEOs, it’s clear that strong leadership is essential for driving the Girl Scouts’ mission forward.
As the organization continues to evolve, its commitment to empowering girls remains steadfast. With Bonnie at the helm, the future of the Girl Scouts looks brighter than ever.
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