Judith Batty named Girl Scouts’ first Black CEO in its 108-year history

Judith Batty has just made history following her appointment as interim CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She becomes the organization’s first Black CEO in its 108-year history. Batty is a lifelong Girl Scout, Board Member, and corporate trailblazer. She will be replacing Sylvia Acevedo, who is stepping down from the role.

“It has been my honour and privilege to serve as CEO of this great organization,” Acevedo said in a press statement.  “The real stars of this organization are and will always be the girls who motivate all of us who so proudly serve Girl Scouts. I want to also recognize and thank our hard-working volunteers, who truly embody the selfless spirit of Girl Scouts.”

Before her new appointment, for nearly 30 years, Ms. Batty served as senior legal counsel and an executive for a Fortune 100 corporation, where she became the first woman and first Black general counsel to one of the company’s overseas affiliates.

Batty began her Girl Scouts career as a Brownie and as a member of the Nassau County Council in New York. She served two terms on the National Board – as a member of the Executive Committee and International Commissioner. 

“When I was young, the Girl Scouts instilled in me the courage, confidence and character that have guided me through my life and career. It is an incredible honor to bring those lessons back full circle to help the Girl Scouts navigate this transition,” the history making CEO said. 

“As families across the country contend with so much uncertainty and upheaval, I am committed to ensuring that the Girl Scouts continues to offer a shelter in the storm—a place where all our girls feel welcome, can find community, solidarity, leadership opportunities and fun, despite the challenging moment we are all collectively living through.”

Batty is set to embark on a listening tour with staff and council leadership in the coming months. She will lead the activities of 2.5 million people with more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world.