East Bay Woman Named CEO Of Girl Scouts Northern California

ALAMEDA, CA—An Alameda resident recently became the top Girl Scout among 40,000 members across 19 counties in Northern California, from Santa Clara to the Oregon border.

The appointment of Mary-Jane Strom as chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Northern California was announced April 10 by the Board of Directors and was effective immediately.

Strom has served as interim CEO since October 2024 and brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership and outdoor programming. As a lifetime member and Gold Award recipient, Strom is a dedicated advocate for expanding access to Girl Scouts' transformative experiences, the organization said.

"Mary-Jane has already made an incredible impact on Girl Scouts of Northern California, and we are thrilled to officially welcome her as our CEO," said Sandy Shirai, chair of the GSNorCal Board of Directors. “She is a strategic, mission-driven leader with deep roots in the Girl Scouts movement. Her vision for growing membership, supporting volunteers, and ensuring that every Girl Scout feels a sense of belonging will be instrumental in shaping the future of Girl Scouts.”

As CEO, Strom is committed to ensuring every girl, regardless of her background or where she lives, has access to leadership experiences, outdoor adventure and a supportive community beyond school, home and extracurricular activities. Under her leadership, GSNorCal will focus on:

• Expanding access to Girl Scouts by reaching more girls with opportunities in leadership, STEM, outdoor adventure, and financial literacy.
• Building strong, inclusive communities by strengthening support for volunteers and fostering meaningful connections among members.
• Enhancing outdoor programs to promote resilience and mental well-being.
• Growing philanthropic support to invest in camps, programs, and initiatives that create lasting impact for Girl Scouts.
• Showcasing Girl Scouts’ community impact through Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award projects that address critical issues, as well as everyday acts of leadership and service.
• Strengthening partnerships with schools, local organizations, and businesses to expand program access, increase opportunities for girls, and strengthen community engagement.

"With a presence in 19 counties, we are committed to ensuring that every girl—whether she’s in a bustling city, a rural town, or a coastal community—can grow into a confident leader,” Strom said. “Outdoor experiences, skill-building programs, and strong mentorship networks help girls develop the resilience and confidence they need to thrive. I’m excited to build on our legacy and expand opportunities for even more girls.”

Before becoming CEO, Strom held key roles at GSNorCal since July 2017, including chief mission delivery officer and chief program officer, overseeing programs for 40,000+ youth and adults across 19 counties. She began her Girl Scouts career with Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, leading camp programs, adult development and outdoor initiatives.

In addition to her leadership at GSNorCal, Strom serves as a board member for the California Collaboration for Youth, treasurer, and board member for the Girl Scout Staff Association, and an accreditation volunteer for the American Camp Association. She holds a bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State University and has published research on camp staff training and youth development.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Strom is an avid open-water swimmer and a 2014 Boston Marathon finisher. She is a proud member of the Alameda Aquatics Masters Swim Team.