Brenda Episcopo, Chief Executive of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, has a career dedicated to leadership and a passion to grow the organizations she has led. Most recently, she took on the role as CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York in 2021; however, she comes into this role having led United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area as well as United Way of New York State.
Her journey to leadership was unexpected. She took on a volunteer role as an intern at a non-profit organization after the program’s funding ended. There, she continued to train advocates for abused children. This proactive, results-oriented approach became a hallmark of her leadership style, where she takes charge of projects, develops them to success, and moves on to new challenges.
Episcopo quickly identified the need for a strategic plan while working at Girl Scouts. She concentrated on rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations. Her approach involved working collaboratively with stakeholders and engaging in over 1,100 touchpoints through town halls and breakout groups. This inclusive process helped the organization navigate challenges and identify shared goals. Three years later, Episcopo reflects on the significant progress: recovery from the pandemic, double-digit membership growth, and successful launch of new projects. Now, with the organization approaching the final year of its current strategic plan, Episcopo is getting ready for the next phase of growth and development.
Episcopo’s leadership is driven by her belief in empowering girls through exposure to STEM, arts, culture, entrepreneurship, and life skills. An avid advocate for outdoor experiences, she is particularly passionate about teaching girls leadership through outdoor activities. She recognizes the profound impact nature can have on personal growth and well-being, and she regularly spends time at Girl Scout camps, engaging with the girls directly.
Known as an organization fixer, Episcopo’s expertise lies in reviving and guiding organizations toward growth. She attributes her success to leveraging the strengths of stakeholders and focusing on recovery and renewal. For Girl Scouts, this included addressing membership declines post-pandemic and implementing a recovery plan.
Under her leadership, the Girl Scouts have embraced evolving technologies, especially in their iconic cookie-selling program. Young scouts now learn to manage their own online storefronts and use digital platforms to promote their businesses. These modernized initiatives not only teach entrepreneurial skills but also build confidence in young girls as they engage with their communities.
