Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan CEO: Jan Barker

March 05, 2026

With deep gratitude and admiration, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan announced today that Chief Executive Officer Jan Barker will retire this spring after over 30 years of steadfast service to Girl Scouting in Michigan, concluding a remarkable tenure defined by strategic growth and mission-driven leadership. Under her leadership, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan thrived through tremendous transformations, expanding its reach, strengthening its financial foundation, and deepening its impact across all the communities served.

Barker is an accomplished leader in the field of youth development with more than 45 years of experience across the United States, and internationally. Barker began her career working for the Michigan State University Extension with youth and volunteers to build both an urban and classic 4-H program. She was later appointed to a national team focused on inspiring creative ways of work and developing collaborations and funding for science and at-risk youth programs.

In 1995, she started her career with Girl Scouts as the CEO of the Glowing Embers Council in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she was the driving force for an $8 million capital campaign to build a nationally recognized Program and Training Center.

In 2008, Barker was selected as the CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, where she successfully merged five Girl Scout councils into a unified culture which has generated record increases in membership, fundraising, and product programs—consistently ranking as one of the top performing Girl Scout councils nationwide. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan serves 15,000 members across 34 counties. She has led the $8 million budget organization and travels around our regional centers located in Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Saginaw, as well as eight camp properties.

Barb Henton, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Trustee, shared, “Jan’s leadership has left a lasting imprint on Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and on the Girl Scout Movement as a whole.” Jan developed the national program model called Transforming Leadership. She and her team developed the life and business skills girls learn when participating in the Girl Scout cookie program. These skills are printed in every single Girl Scout cookie box. Henton shared, “Through her unwavering commitment to girls, volunteers, and our communities, she strengthened our council’s foundation while never losing sight of the mission—to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Her vision, integrity, and deep belief in the power of Girl Scouting will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

In 2015, Barker was honored when she was inducted into Miami Dade College’s Alumni Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Miami, FL. Barker’s numerous successes and forward-thinking approach to anticipating and meeting the ever-changing needs of girls has earned her the respect of leaders in business, education, and public service.

In 2024, Barker was honored with the Women of Achievement Award from the YWCA Kalamazoo. This award celebrates changemakers, selfless leaders, and fierce advocates who make our community a better place.

Susan Thorman, GSHOM’s Board Chair, shared, "Jan’s tenure as CEO was marked by transformational innovation. Always open to new ideas and continuous improvement, she was driven by the goal of creating opportunities for every girl to not only have the Girl Scout experience, but to have the best experience possible. Jan committed herself wholeheartedly to ensure that every decision aligned with the 15 outcomes of Girl Scouts, the Girl Scout mission, and the evolving needs of girls.  She led with courage to be the strongest advocate for girls, volunteers, and staff. Everything Jan did for this organization she did For the Girls! I will miss her unrelenting drive and fun spirit."

Reflecting on her career, Barker shared, “GSHOM's unique and critical mission is etched on my heart, and I will do everything possible to assure a successful transition. I've given succession meaningful attention recently; the team is ready. With the astounding capabilities of the existing staff, notedly the Executive Team, I'm ultra confident in the positive possible future of GSHOM. It's been an honor and an extreme privilege to lead this wonderful organization.”

The Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Board of Trustees is engaged in a search process to identify the organization’s next CEO. Additional details will be shared in the coming months. During the transition, the Executive Team remains focused on advancing the organization’s strategic priorities and delivering its mission without interruption, sustaining momentum and deepening impact across the communities it serves.