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Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Appoints Brenna Smith West as Chief Executive Officer
April 09, 2026
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan (GSHOM) today announced the appointment of Brenna Smith West as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective April 13, 2026. A dynamic and mission-driven leader with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and strengthening organizational impact, West will lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
West brings more than seven years of leadership experience within Girl Scouts, most recently serving as Chief Communications Officer for GSHOM. In that role, she oversaw the Communications, Customer Experience, and the Contact Center departments, while shaping a unified brand and messaging strategy that deepened community engagement and strengthened member connection.
Susan Thorman, Chair of the GSHOM Board of Trustees, said, “The Board of Trustees is excited to embark on GSHOM's next chapter with Brenna as our CEO. Brenna has the leadership skills, dedication, and deep commitment to our mission that will strengthen and grow GSHOM. She has a genuine passion for serving girls and supporting our volunteers. We have great confidence in the direction ahead and look forward to working with her, For the Girls!”
As CEO, West will focus on expanding access to Girl Scouting across the region, strengthening the member experience, and aligning teams around a clear, forward-looking strategy that drives both growth and impact. She is committed to continue building a high-performing organization where girls, volunteers, and staff feel connected, valued, and proud to belong.
West said, “I am incredibly honored to step into this role with an organization that shaped who I am. Girl Scouts is a leadership pipeline for the next generation, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to lead a mission that I know deeply and believe in wholeheartedly. We have a strong foundation, and I’m focused on aligning our strategy, strengthening the member experience, and ensuring every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout can have an experience that is powerful, relevant, and unforgettable.”
A lifelong Girl Scout, West’s connection to the mission is both personal and professional. During her tenure with GSHOM, she has played a key role in elevating the organization’s visibility, modernizing how it engages with members, and fostering a culture centered on clarity, collaboration, and results.
Renee Graham, Chair of GSHOM’s Member Advisory Committee, added:
“As a longtime volunteer and a former Girl Scout, I am excited for this new chapter. As society evolves, our movement must adapt, and I believe Brenna is the right leader to guide the council through these changes. Having watched Brenna interact with girls and volunteers at programs and events, I am confident she understands what girls need and how to deliver high-quality experiences."
Under West’s leadership, GSHOM is poised to accelerate its reach and relevance, ensuring more girls across Michigan have access to transformative leadership experiences that build courage, confidence, and character.
