Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Announces Jai Ferrell as New CEO
June 17 2024 - 10:30AM
Business Wire
Native Atlantan with Deep Community Ties and
Business Acumen Ready to Lead Next Generation of Girls and
Volunteers
The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL) announces today the
appointment of Jai Ferrell (She/Her/Hers pronouns) as the new Chief
Executive Officer for the council effective July 1, 2024. An
experienced business leader with deep roots in the Atlanta
community, Ferrell brings a unique blend of experience, values, and
passion for mission-driven leadership to the organization.
Following an extensive and thoughtful nationwide search, the
Board of Directors selected Ferrell for her alignment with the Girl
Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and
character combined with a unique skill set and background including
marketing revenue management and the ability to manage complex,
multi-stakeholder environments.
Susan L. Lazaro who led the search committee and is the incoming
board chair of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta commented, “Jai’s
extensive experience and relevant connections to the metro-Atlanta
community and beyond were important factors in our decision. We’re
excited to see her support our mission while elevating the impact
we have on the lives of girls across the entire area our council
serves."
Sonnet C. Edmonds, current Chair, also expressed her enthusiasm
about the appointment, stating, "Jai Ferrell embodies the qualities
and leadership we sought in our next CEO and we’re certain she will
guide us with vision and compassion. We can’t wait to see the
impact she’ll have on our council.”
Ferrell, an Atlanta native and former Girl Scout, has strong
ties to the area’s business, government, and cultural leaders. Her
professional experience spans complex, multi-stakeholder
environments, most recently serving as the Chief Commercial/Revenue
Officer for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Ferrell will notably also be the first person of color to lead the
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Council.
Reflecting on her new role, Jai Ferrell said, “I am incredibly
honored to be selected as the next CEO for Girl Scouts of Greater
Atlanta. This is the right time and place for me to bring my skills
and talents to serve others. Girl Scouts is an organization that
aligns closely with my personal values of integrity, impact, and
authenticity. I am ready to help inspire the next generation of
young women and look forward to getting started on July 1st.”
Kathleen (“Kat”) Marran, Interim CEO, commented on the
transition, “We are delighted to welcome Jai Ferrell as our new
leader. Her vision and commitment to the Girl Scouts’ mission are
evident, and I am confident she will drive our council forward,
building on our strong foundation.”
Ferrell’s impressive career includes roles in entertainment
television, consumer products, and sports, contributing to major
companies like WarnerMedia, CNN, Major League Baseball, and BET
Networks. She is an award-winning executive recognized for her
leadership, including being named one of Atlanta Magazine’s 500 Top
Leaders (2024, 2023, & 2022) and a Women Leading Travel &
Hospitality Honoree (2023).
A fifth-generation Atlantan, Ferrell holds a bachelor’s degree
from Spelman College and a Master’s degree from Georgia State
University. In 2023, she completed the Harvard Business School
Executive Education program, earning the Certificate of Management
Excellence. She is also deeply involved in community service,
serving on the board of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA and
actively partners with several institutions across Atlanta,
Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton County Schools.
About Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta:
More than 23,000 Girl Scouts throughout 34 counties in the
greater metropolitan Atlanta, northwest Georgia, and Polk County,
TN bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better
world. Girls of all backgrounds and abilities can be
unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and
rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top
of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a
hike, advocate for climate justice, or make their first best
friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and alums,
Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes
that affect the issues most important to them. To join us,
volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsatl.org
For more information, visit www.girlscoutsatl.org or contact us
at helpline@gsgatl.org.
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For further details or to schedule an interview, please contact:
John Smiles jsmiles@gsgatl.org 678-392-6306 – Cell Phone