1 week Ago By Daily Republic Staff
ALAMEDA — Mary-Jane Strom is the new Girl Scouts of Northern California chief executive officer. She has served as interim CEO since October 2024, brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership and outdoor programming. Strom is also a lifetime member and Gold Award recipient.
“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, in a statement. "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.
” Strom is committed to ensuring every girl – regardless of where she lives or her background – has access to leadership experiences, outdoor adventure, and a supportive community beyond school, home, and extracurricular activities, the statement said. 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,” said Strom, in the statement. “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, she held key roles at GSNorCal since July 2017, including Chief Mission Delivery Officer and Chief Program Officer, overseeing programs for 40,000-plus 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 of Arts 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..
