A Message from Claudia Peña Porretti, CEO
Dear Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Family:
Without a doubt, this is the hardest email that I have had to send to you. Believe me when I say that I have extremely mixed emotions as I let you know that I have resigned from my position as Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, effective June 27.
First, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your CEO for the last nearly seven years. As I have always said, I could not have done the incredible work that we have accomplished to put GSCB on a trajectory for long-term sustainability and viability without all of you, along with my dedicated Board of Directors and amazing GSCB team. You have all been my rock, my support, and my inspiration as we worked hard to make GSCB the best Council in the Movement for “girls who aren’t even born yet.” You all achieved that goal right along with me!
Second, I had to think long and hard about leaving the GSCB and especially all of you and our girls. Over the years, you have all become my good friends, and for some, my extended family. You welcomed me with open arms into your life and home, and we laughed, loved, cried, joked, debated, camped, ate, and sang together. And, we have truly weathered the storms together—a Global pandemic and the sale of our beloved properties, preserving Camp Grove Point as a permanent green space and preparing us for longer-term financial sustainability.
Third, the GSCB staff is the most dedicated, talented, and incredible team, working collaboratively to accomplish our mission. Therefore, I feel it is the absolute right time for me to transition and a new CEO to move forward with reimagining Camp Country Center and Camp Todd and help you create the camps in the vision now underway by the Reimagining Camp Committee.
Fourth, I am leaving to accept a new position as the head of an organization that serves immigrants and refugees. Although it was a very difficult decision to resign at this time, this position is a deep and personal calling that aligns with my leadership development and career growth.
Finally, it has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the GSCB, and I am deeply and eternally grateful to all of you. Thank you for the trust, confidence, and faith you had in me. Words cannot express how incredibly appreciative I am of our friendships, partnerships, and collaborations. We got through almost seven years and the hard stuff together. I will miss you all tremendously! I will take with me the Girl Scout law, promise, values, and principles, and I know that you will continue to be the voice for the GSCB Council and all girls who want to be Girl Scouts for years to come, and especially for girls “who aren’t even born yet.”
With much love,
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Claudia Peña Porretti
CEO, Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay
