Allison Wilcox

Earlier this fall Judith Cranston, Girl Scouts of Western New York CEO, shared with the Girl Scouts of Western New York board her intention to retire in 2019.

“It has been an honor to work for this organization,” Cranston said. “The entire board has supported me throughout my tenure as CEO and I truly appreciate that support. It made for an extremely rewarding time as CEO. I will leave GSWNY thankful and with fond memories. I also leave feeling a sense of accomplishment in that as a team we have delivered budget surpluses each year, a fully implemented C.E.I. initiative, a girl membership increase and increased fundraising year-on-year. I also leave with the confidence of knowing there is a strong and capable GSWNY staff of leaders who are in place to work alongside volunteers, donors, stakeholders and our WNY community to carry out Girl Scouts’ mission.”

Allison Wilcox has been named the new CEO of the Western New York chapter.

“In keeping with the Girl Scout philosophy, planning and preparation are key during this transition process said,” Lettie Chilson, board chair. “We are pleased to share that last evening the board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Alison Wilcox as our next CEO. A formal handover of Judith’s duties will be complete in January 2019. The future of Girl Scouts of Western New York under Alison’s leadership will bring a wealth of new energy and new ideas to the table. This is a very exciting time for Girl Scouts and we’re confident the positive momentum will continue!”

Wilcox has 17 years of global experience in organizational leadership encompassing program development, membership, volunteerism, recruitment, education, fundraising, camp, technology and organizational effectiveness. She has served nearly a decade of her career working in various executive functions within Girl Scouts at both the local and national levels. Over the past three years as GSWNY’s COO, Cranston said she has built strong relationships with the organization’s senior leadership team and staff.

“As a proud alum, and lifelong champion for girls and women, it will be my honor to serve as the next CEO of Girl Scouts of WNY,” Wilcox said. “I look forward to partnering with our staff and volunteers in our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place and to prepare the next generation of women leaders.”

For girl and adult volunteer membership information, visit gswny.org or call 888-837-6410.