The Girl Scouts of Colorado Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of Leanna Clark as our new CEO. This appointment comes after a nationwide search and an extensive interview process. Leanna will begin leading the organization on May 26, 2020.
Leanna comes to Girl Scouts of Colorado with decades of experience in leadership positions and a robust background in marketing and communications, including 12 years as an owner of one of Denver’s largest marketing and public relations firms. She’s held leadership roles in Denver’s corporate, foundation, and nonprofit communities, most recently as Vice Chancellor of University Communications for University of Colorado Denver.
“Leanna brings a wealth of experience to Girl Scouts of Colorado,” Girl Scouts of Colorado Chair of the Board Rae Ann Dougherty said. “She’s energetic, fresh, and dynamic. I’m certain she will continue the legacy of leadership and guide us to a bright future.”
Making a difference in her community, being an advocate for girls and women, and championing female ambition have long been traits Leanna values. She was named a Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Colorado in 2009, co-chaired the signature event in 2014, and remained well-connected to the network of amazing women.
“I’ve had close ties to this organization and its mission for many years,” Leanna said. “Now, I’m excited to bring my skills and leadership to the table and be a bigger part of building the future generation of female leaders.”
Leanna currently serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Forum of Colorado, Denver Public Schools Foundation, RISE Society for Women & Girls, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
She has been recognized as One of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado by the Colorado Women’s Chamber and has been honored twice by the Denver Business Journal as a “PowerBook” award recipient and one of the “Forty Under 40” top young business leaders. She’s received national recognition from the Universal Press Syndicate as part of its “Workwise” Awards, honoring innovation and creativity among workplace leaders. In addition, she was named a ‘Woman of Achievement’ by the Association for Women in Communications.
Leanna takes over from Stephanie Foote who is retiring at the end of May after 12 years with Girl Scouts of Colorado. Under Stephanie’s leadership, Girl Scouts of Colorado has reversed the trend of declining membership, made savvy financial decisions putting the organization on solid fiscal ground, increased programs to serve the most vulnerable populations, and elevated the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all girls but especially those earning Highest Awards.
Leanna is excited to take the reins from Stephanie, a fellow Girl Scouts’ Woman of Distinction.
“The positive momentum for Girl Scouts of Colorado – even through this world pandemic – gives me the chance to build on a solid foundation and explore new ways to serve more girls and give them the tools to lead, break barriers, and create positive change in their communities,” she said.