Farewell and Thank You to Colleen Cibula
After over two decades of leadership and dedication, Colleen Cibula has left the Girl Scout Council for the Nation’s Capital. We are grateful for her steady vision and commitment that have shaped the Council throughout these years.
Colleen began her journey with us in 2002, joining the Council staff to bring Girl Scout programming to underserved communities in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia. The following year, Colleen was named Manager of the Adult Volunteer Development, where she expanded support services available to volunteers and led the initiative to automate the adult recognition nomination process. In 2007, she became the Council’s first Director of Membership, leading six regional membership recruitment and retention teams to support 5,000 troops. Under her leadership, the Council realized a 6% increase in youth membership.
In 2011, Colleen became the Council’s Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for managing six departments and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations for the Council, annual recruitment and retention of over 76,000 members: training and recognition of 30,000 adult volunteers and delivering Girl Scout program events and resources to over 46,000 youth. She guided transitions to two new national registration platforms and, during the pandemic, the Council’s COVID safety strategy. Thanks to her thoughtful planning, members were able to return to safe, inperson outdoor gatherings in August 2020.
Colleen led the teams responsible for the successful execution of 15 Council Annual Meetings and August Kickoffs, each drawing more than 1,200 members, and led the creation of the Girl Scout Expo, where approximately 7,000 attendees explored 90 interactive booths. Among her memorable contributions was her management of the Council’s year-long celebration of the Girl Scout Movement’s 100th anniversary in 2012, culminating in Girl Scouts Rock the Mall, a national gathering of about 250,000 people from every state and around the world.
Most recently, in 2023, Colleen - served as interim CEO while continuing her COO responsibilities. With focus and steady leadership, she ensured continuity and stability.
Colleen is not only a skilled executive but also a dedicated lifetime member, mentor, and champion for volunteers and staff alike. We are grateful to Colleen for her enduring contributions to the Council and the greater Girl Scout family. Colleen is happy to connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/colleen-k-cibula.
