
August 6, 2024 – Girl Scouts of Central Illinois (GSCI) has announced the appointment of Jennifer Sedbrook as the council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a nationwide search led by Evergreen Executive Source, LLC.
“Jennifer’s mission-driven mindset and strong commitment to girl empowerment and development will be strong assets to execute the Girl Scout mission. Her vision for expanding the impact of GSCI, coupled with her extensive experience with volunteer recruitment and engagement, fundraising, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion positions her well to lead our council.” said Anne Warth, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois’ Board Chair.
Sedbrook’s career includes roles such as Director of Development for Illinois State University (ISU) Mennonite College of Nursing, where she secured over $3 million in planned gifts, raised over $1 million annually for student scholarships, research, and programs, and led a multi-million-dollar capital campaign. At the OSF Foundation, she served as Director of Philanthropy in the Eastern Region, providing vision and leadership to raise money and community support for two medical centers. As Director of Volunteer and Intern Services at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, she recruited and managed volunteers and transformed the volunteer program into a valuable hospital asset.
She also served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, where she led the organization to build a record number of homes and received the Midwest Affiliate of the Year award. Additionally, she directed the Choices Initiative for Girls, a Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services initiative, leading a statewide program for girls ages 10-18, organizing conferences, showcasing career opportunities in trades, and collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to address gender and racial inequities.
Sedbrook holds an M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning/Community Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I’m thrilled to join this organization and continue to build spaces for girls to flourish. Girl Scouts exposes girls to positive role models and mentors, especially in STEM, fosters supportive friendships and develops critical life skills. By providing fun and unique opportunities for girls and their families, Girl Scouts also enriches our central Illinois communities. I look forward to working with our Board, staff, volunteers, families, donors, and most importantly, our girls,” said Sedbrook.
Sedbrook officially began her position with GSCI on July 29, 2024.