/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - Girl Scouts of the USA has initiated its search for a new Chief Executive Officer to replace Kathy Cloninger, who announced her retirement in September and plans to transition from her position in November of 2011.

"The selection of a new CEO," said Connie Lindsey, National President, Girl Scouts of the USA, "marks the next step in Girl Scouting's evolution. Kathy Cloninger has led this organization through a period of change unprecedented in its history. Her work in transforming the Girl Scout Movement, in particular in the restructuring of our national council network, is being studied in business schools and in the executive suites of the nonprofit sector, and has earned her a glorious place in the pantheon of Girl Scout leaders."

To assist in the search for a successor, Girl Scouts has retained the services of Heidrick & Struggles, a leading and world-renowned executive search firm.

"From recent research by our Girl Scouts Research Institute, we know that both girls and the society at large yearn for a different style of leadership, one less focused on commanding and controlling and more focused on inclusion and social change," said Lindsey. "Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is based on that model, and we will be seeking an adult manifestation of it in our new CEO."

Current plans call for the introduction of the new CEO during Girl Scouts' 2011 National Council and 52nd Convention, which will be held November 10-13 in Houston, Texas. Those interested in applying for this position are asked to submit their resumes to girlscoutsusaceo@heidrick.com.

About Girl Scouts
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U or visit www.girlscouts.org.

Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U or visit www.girlscouts.org.

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