Winter 2007/8

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
O
n Monday, December 3, 2007 Pam Kovacevich took the reins to
lead the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois as the new Chief Executive
Officer. Cadette Girl Scout, Elizabeth Wiatrolik, of Troop #6403
in Service Area 17 had the privilege of interviewing our new CEO.
Elizabeth is in seventh grade at Blessed Sacrament School and her favorite
subject is math, she loves the colors blue, lime green, and purple, and in her
spare time she loves to travel as a competitive gymnast. Elizabeth has been
involved in Girl Scouts since she was a Daisy, and her favorite Girl Scout
memory is attending Camp Widjiwagan.
Where are you from?
I was born in Portsmith, Virginia. My family moved to Stonington, Illinois
when I was younger and I grew up there. I am very excited that the town
where I grew up is now part of the area that Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
serves.
Please tell us a little more about your family.
Well, I have a husband Vel, and two children; a daughter, Taylor, who is 13
years old and a son, Ben, who is 10 years old. We live in Sherman, Illinois
and my children go to school in Williamsville, Illinois – which is right
outside of Springfield.
I plan to identify
how Girl Scouts of
Central Illinois can
align ourselves best
with Girl Scouts of the
U.S.A.’s plan so that we
can successfully provide
the best Girl Scout
experience for all
our girls.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
The five words that I believe best describe me are happy, fair, busy, focused
(determined) and energetic (fun).
What made you want to become the new CEO of Girl Scouts of
Central Illinois?
I used to be a school teacher and I coached for seven years. I then went on
to train or “teach” adults throughout central Illinois, but I missed the interaction with children. Girl Scouts has always been a leader organization in
our community and our world, and I value being a part of an organization
like that. I am truly excited to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, so they can make the world a better place!
Were you involved in Girl Scouting as a girl?
Yes, I was a Brownie Girl Scout. However, as I got older, there wasn’t
anyone who could continue to lead my troop, so unfortunately it dissolved. I
was pretty disappointed, but my parents got me involved in 4-H, which is
very similar to Girl Scouts. I did that throughout my childhood. As I got
older and moved to the Springfield-area, I became active in the Girl Scouts,
Land of Lincoln Council, and served on the Board of Directors. I really
enjoyed being apart of Girl Scouting again, and truly believe in the mission
of Girl Scouts.
Do you have a favorite Girl Scout memory?
I can remember as a child, going to troop meetings at my leader’s house.
She had lots of barnyard animals and I really enjoyed playing with them
and feeding them.
Do you have a favorite Girl Scout cookie?
Actually, everyone in my family likes a different cookie. My personal
favorite is the Peanut Butter Pattie – Mmmmm!
(continued on page 2)
How is Girl Scouting different now, from when you
were a girl?
Today, there are so many more wonderful opportunities
for young girls. They have many activities that teach girls
valuable skills to prepare them for their future, but they are
also a lot of fun too! Girls learn how to give back to their
community and understand the importance of service to
others.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, my family and I have many pets – four to be exact. A
Golden Retriever named Payton, two teacup Maltese dogs
named Molly and Cosby, and a cat named Sassy.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I am very active in my children’s lives. They play
many sports, and I enjoy going to their games and watching them play. I also play sports myself. I play volleyball
and I enjoy camping, walking and bicycling.
What do you plan on doing as the new CEO?
Well, I have a list of things that I plan on working on. First
I plan on getting to know the Girl Scout volunteers and
members throughout the council, as well as the staff in
each Regional Service Center. I also plan to identify how
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois can align ourselves best with
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.’s plan so that we can successfully
provide the best Girl Scout experience for all our girls.
Let me ask you Elizabeth, “What do you think I should focus
on?”
I think you need to focus on how to get teen girls interested
and involved in Girl Scouting. Girls my age don’t see Girl
Scouting as “cool,” and it really is a great thing.
That is a great thing Elizabeth! Thank you for your
perspective. I will definitely add that to my list!
A few years ago, GSUSA CEO Kathy Cloninger shared her vision for
Girl Scouts across the country to take advantage of the “opportunity
to reinvigorate and revitalize our Movement and deliberate and
strategic response to changes taking place in the world around
us”.
With the input of volunteers, staff and outside experts, our Core
Business Strategy was born; a plan of action for the entire
Movement. Keeping in mind the ultimate goal of developing a
program model centered on personal growth and leadership
development of girls, six teams (staff, volunteers and outside
experts) were identified to take us forward.
The ultimate goal is to develop a program model centered on
personal growth and leadership development for girls. The Core
Business Strategies are as follows:
Brand - to be recognized by the public and be relevant and
compelling to girls.
Culture/Volunteerism - develop a culture that’s girl-centered,
agile, aligned, innovative and accountable.
Funding - substantially increase contributed income to support
the program.
Organizational Structure & Governance - develop a nimble
governance structure and realign over 300 councils into
high- capacity councils.
Program Models & Pathways - build the best personal
leadership development model for girls ages 5 to 17.
In August 2006, the GSUSA Board of Directors adopted a
resolution approving the submitted map for new council
jurisdictions. The map realigned 310 councils into 109 highcapacity councils.
What is a high-capacity council?
A high-capacity council has leadership that provides inspirational
and innovative direction to achieve the mission. It is flexible and
adapts easily to the changing needs of girls and volunteers. It has
departments that coordinate to provide superior program and
services to girls and volunteers. Finally, it embraces a culture that
is girl-centered, accountable, agile, innovative and aligned.
Demographic Criteria for Realigned Councils
Please join us in welcoming Pam Kovacevich, CEO of Girl Scouts
of Central Illinois to our council. Each Regional Service Center
will be hosting an open house. We hope you will be able to join us
on one of the following dates:
“ Springfield Regional Service Center
Monday, December 10, 2007, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3020 Baker Dr., Springfield, IL 62703, 217-523-8159 (T)
“ Champaign Regional Service Center
Thursday, January 10, 2008, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
701 Devonshire, Suite B16, Champaign, IL 61820
217-328-5112 (T)
“ Decatur Regional Service Center
Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
462 W. William St., Decatur, IL 62522, 217-423-7791 (T)
“ Quincy Regional Service Center
Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3837 Eastlake Centre Dr., Quincy, IL 62305, 217-222-1030 (T)
“ Peoria Regional Service Center
Thursday, January 31, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
1103 W. Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61614, 309-688-8671 (T)
The geographic area offers
a potential market of 100,000 girls ages 5 to 17.
has a combined household income of $15 billion.
has at least one major city of 50,000 or more in population.
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is comprised of six legacy Girl Scout
councils: Girl Scouts of Centrillio (Bloomington), Girl Scouts Green Meadows (Champaign), Girl Scouts - Shemamo (Decatur),
Girl Scouts - Kickapoo Council (Peoria), Girl Scouts of Two Rivers
(Quincy), and Girl Scouts, Land of Lincoln (Springfield).
As of October 1, 2007, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is comprised of
six regional service centers and two satellite offices. We serve 38
counties and are headquartered in Springfield. We proudly serve
25,000 girls and 6,000 adult members within our jurisdiction. The
council is governed by an elected Board of Directors made up of no
more than 24 community citizens.
GSCI Vision Statement
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is an organization that attracts and
retains girls and adults supported by generous resources based on
a strong, innovative leadership program.
Welcome to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois!
On October 1, 2007, we officially became the one merged
council many of us (including many of you!) worked
so hard to become. Of course, the girls have already
enjoyed opportunities to see what our camps all over
Central Illinois have to offer over the past summer, and
programming options abound in the year ahead.
building girls of courage, confidence and character who make
the world a better place.
In the coming weeks, you all will have an opportunity to
meet our new CEO in an open house atmosphere coming to
a Regional Service Center near you. Please stop by to meet
Pam and visit with other Girl Scout supporters from your
community.
I would like to say a special “thank you” to the staff of
GSCI as they have so faithfully and patiently worked
through the merger process. The staff has worked so
hard to develop and implement new processes, different
ways of work, learn new names and faces, and work with
new software, among other things.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of
Central Illinois I welcome you to Discover all that Girl
Scouting and our new council have to offer!
Thanks also to our members, volunteers, and donors . . .
With your help we are meeting the Girl Scout mission of
Sharon Riechers
Board Chair
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois would like you to meet our 2007 - 2008 Board of Directors.
Officers
Sharon Riechers, Board Chair, Springfield, 1 year term
Sharon is an Audit Manager for Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. She
has been involved with Girl Scouts since 1994.
Sonie Smith, 1st Vice Chair, Quincy, 1 year term
Sonie is the Gift Shop Manager of Family Garden. She has served
on every level of Girl Scouting, most recently on the board of Girl
Scouts of Two Rivers Council. She has received the Thanks Badge
and Thanks Badge II.
Stuart E. Funderburg, Decatur, 1 year term
Stuart is Corporate Counsel for Archer-Daniels Midland.
Rebecca McNeil, Bloomington, 1 year term
Rebecca is the McLean County Treasurer. She served as a board
member of the Girl Scouts of Centrillio Council.
Diane Newell, Springfield, 2 year term
Diane is the Vice President of Human Resources for Bunn-O-Matic
Corporation.
Chris Funk, 2nd Vice Chair, Decatur, 1 year term
Chris is a Vice President for Hickory Point Bank and Trust. Chris
was a previous board member of the Girl Scouts - Shemamo
Council.
Kathleen Pagel, Peoria, 1 year term
Kathy is a Reliability Program Manager for Ameren. She was a
board member for the Girl Scouts - Kickapoo Council and has been a
volunteer with Girl Scouts in Wisconsin.
Ann Kenney Lynch, Secretary, Peoria, 1 year term
Ann is a Training and Communications Supervisor for Caterpillar
Inc. She is a past Board Chair of Girl Scouts - Kickapoo Council
and a long time board member and volunteer.
Angela “Nickie” Roberson, Peoria, 2 year term
Nickie is the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management for
Bradley University. She served on the board of Girl Scouts Kickapoo Council.
Joan Dixon, Treasurer, Champaign, 1 year term
Joan is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of
East Central Illinois. She served on the Girl Scouts - Green
Meadows Council.
Melanie Vales, Bloomington, 1 year term
Melanie is an instructor in the Technology Division of
Heartland Community College. She was Past President, Vice
President, Secretary and Member-at-Large of Girl Scouts of
Centrillio Council.
Directors
Nora Baldner, Quincy, 2 year term
Nora is the Assignment Editor for WGEM-TV. She had been a
volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Two Rivers Council since 2002.
Tom Berns, Champaign, 2 year term
Tom is the President, Engineer, and Surveyor of Berns, Clancy &
Associates, P.C.
Virginia Waddell, Quincy, 2 year term
Virginia is the President and CEO of Waddell Farms. She is retired
as Executive Director of Girl Scouts of the USA/North Atlantic Girl
Scouts. She has extensive experience with Girl Scouts in adult
development, membership and program areas.
Una Mae Eldridge, Decatur, 2 year term
Una is the owner of a child care operation.
Patricia Webber, Bloomington, 2 year term
Patricia is a Pharmacist at Ryan Pharmacy. She is a past Girl Scout
Leader.
Lynda Fishel, Champaign, 2 year term
Lynda is retired, but was the Mayor of Arcola, Illinois from 1991 to
2001. Her experience with Girl Scouts started when she was a
Brownie through Senior Girl Scouts.
Elaine Young, Springfield, 2 year term
Elaine is the Vice President of Finance for Memorial Health System.
She served on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts, Land of
Lincoln Council.
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois now boasts over 25,000 active
Girl Scouts. For every registered Girl Scout, our
council invests $255.46 annually to provide the best
programs, facilities and training for adult leaders,
girls, and volunteers. The $10.00 annual Girl Scout
membership fee does not address that cost, since it goes
directly to Girl Scouts of the USA.
Your gift to Girl Scouting is a gift for girls —
one that will help them realize their dreams
and become tomorrow's leaders. Through
your generosity, they will grow into active and
engaged members of their communities and
develop their full potential. Join us in helping
girls in Central Illinois.
Large or small, your gift will open a whole new world for
today’s girls to realize their dreams and to be tomorrow’s
leaders.
Your tax deductible gift supports:
Qualified, trained and informed leaders/mentors
Low-cost activities and events for girls
Staff support for volunteers
Maintenance of properties for camp and troop
programs
Summer camp experiences at reasonable cost to
families
If you are interested in making a gift or learning about
additional ways you can give, please contact your local
Regional Service Center.
Bloomington Regional Service Center
309-662-5384or 800-777-1912
Champaign Regional Service Center
217-328-5112 or 800-328-5112
In a moment, we can change everything. Now is the Moment.
This is the theme for the 2008
Biennial Conference for
Women, the longest-running
women's conference in the
country.
For 24 years, the Biennial
Conference for Women has evolved, providing a forum for shared
experiences and personal reflection. Together we learn, we laugh,
we renew our spirit and resolve to live each day to the fullest. Each
year, each day, each moment, we grow stronger and wiser as we
strive to be a better mother, daughter, partner, friend and professional.
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois have been chosen as the Gold
Charity Partner for the conference to be held at the University of
Illinois Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The event takes
place on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 and Thursday, May 8, 2008.
Girl Scouts from all over Central Illinois and GSCI’s CEO, Pam
Kovacevich, will participate in the opening welcome sessions.
This event will showcase exciting speakers, smaller breakout
sessions and exhibitions with relevant product and services
information. Attendees will enjoy offerings from sponsors and
businesses, plus an on-site bookstore featuring publications of the
speakers and much more.
Additionally, a leadership workshop and reception for teen Girl
Scouts will be held on Tuesday night, May 6, 2008, with a
featured conference speaker. Representatives from GSCI will
be greeting Girl Scout Alumni and other women at a booth in the
Women’s Expo area located near the workshop rooms.
“The goals of the conference and Girl Scouts complement each
other perfectly; developing self-potential, exploring foundational
values, and contributing to the improvement of our communities.
We are proud to partner with this outstanding organization of
women who recognize the importance of living in the moment.”
Patricia Sherod, conference spokeswoman
Decatur Regional Service Center
217-423-7791 or 800-791-9319
Speakers for the event include:
Peoria Regional Service Center
309-688-8671 or 800-640-8671
Shelia Crump Johnson - A businesswoman, a musician, a
philanthropist, and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television
(BET).
Quincy Regional Service Center
217-222-1030 or 877-477-4757
Springfield Regional Service Center
217-523-8159 or 877-231-1446
Pardon our dust at the GSCI Bloomington Regional Service
Center, we are in the middle of a great BIG facelift. Just this past
month, refurbishing began that will include a new roof, windows,
walls and flooring. The entire inside of the office is being
remodeled and updated. We are looking forward to a new
entrance with a fancy portical to greet our members, as well as a
new shop area and conference room.
This renovation is being made possible through generous donors
and friends of Girl Scouting. We look forward to our new look
and will celebrate with an open house in early May of 2008.
Anna Quindlen - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, columnist,
social critic and author of four best-selling novels including
Blessings, One True Thing, Black and Blue and Blessings.
Ellen Goodman - Pulitzer prize winning journalist and best
selling author, teacher and co-author of I Know Just What You
Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women's Lives.
Patricia O’Brien - Political correspondent, columnist, television
and radio commentator, teacher and co-author of I Know Just
What You Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women's Lives.
Bob Greene - Exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer,
columnist and television correspondent, co-authored Make the Connection: Ten Steps To A Better Body-And A Better Life with Oprah Winfrey.
To learn more about the speakers, get more information, and to
register for this incredible conference experience, go to
www.theconferenceforwomen.com. This conference sells
out quickly, so sign-up now to be a part of this experience.
It’s most every girl’s dream . . . the mall all
to themselves! This dream became reality during
the 2007 Mall Event: “Under the Big Top”. Our
Quincy Regional Service Center hosted approximately
1,100 Girl Scouts
from across Central
Illinois who took
part in the overnight
event at the mall on
November 2nd – 3rd ,
2008 from 10:00
p.m. - 5:00 a. m.
The mall was full of
activities, themed
around “Under the
Big Top.” Girls learned how to make balloon animals,
participated in carnival games, danced to the music of
a DJ, enjoyed a movie in the mall’s theater and of
course, shopped ‘til they dropped! Several of the mall
stores stayed open
throughout the night
to allow girls to shop
after hours. The
Mall Event is held
every other year and
features a different
theme each time. We
hope to see you at the
next one in 2009!
The 2008 Girl Scout Day at the Capitol in Springfield,
Illinois is fast approaching. This state-wide event allows
Girl Scouts from all over Illinois the opportunity to meet
local and state officials and to see first-hand the impact
that Girl Scouting has on thousands of Girl Scouts,
troops, volunteers and council representatives.
The year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008
at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield,
Illinois. Thousands of Girl Scouts from around the state
will gather to proudly march in a parade to the state
capitol to represent the Girl Scout Movement.
A rally will be held on the steps of the state capitol beginning at 10:00 a.m. All Gold Award recipients who have
recently earned their Gold Award will attend a special
ceremony hosted by Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan. All participants will be able to meet legislators and
tour various historical sites throughout the city. Later in
the afternoon, a Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration Kick-off
will be held at the Lincoln Home Historic Site.
In early July of last summer, more than 10 million people
watched the Live Earth Concerts from every continent. From
this global arena to our own region, everyone is acting on
preserving the environment. Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is
no exception.
Girl Scouts was one of four recipients of the ADM Community
Partnership Grants program. This program awarded four
grants of $10,000 each to community programs that
strengthen ADM hometowns and help American agriculture as
a whole. More than 100 community programs applied for this
grant. A panel of expert judges, including renowned farm
broadcaster, Orion Samuelson, former United States Secretary
of Agriculture, John Block and Al Pell from AgDay television
selected Girl Scouts to receive one of the grants - the only
organization in the state of Illinois.
The grant allowed us to construct an “Ag in the Classroom”
where girls from local schools and outreach agencies met to
participate in Agri-Science programs under the title of “How
Does Your Garden Grow?” In addition, the program provided
an opportunity for girls to learn about career opportunities in
agriculture.
We worked hand-in-hand with the University of Illinois
Extension to do our part in “going green”. This garden,
hopefully the first of many, focused on an environment whose
mission is to be green, healthy and nutritious. Our garden was
located in a section of a parking lot of the Limestone Township
Office building. It allowed us to create our own “Green Project”
through the development of a raised-bed garden.
This project proposes to be the first of many in Peoria County,
to reclaim empty lots or empty parking lots and develop them
into healthy green raised-bed gardens that will contribute in
some small part to preserving our environment and to teach
people that small steps like this one can make a difference.
The garden contained such vegetables as sweet corn, peppers,
cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, mustard greens, and collared
greens. A portion of the vegetables were donated to the Peoria
County Plant-A-Row for the Hungry.
This spring, the Champaign Regional Service Center will celebrate the 17th Anniversary of Women of Distinction, A Legacy
of Leadership. The award recognizes women whose service and
leadership have made a significant difference in their community
or professions and whose lives reflect the Girl Scout Law. Nearly
100 women have been honored over the course of the recognition. Women of Distinction alumnae represent many areas
of accomplishment and volunteerism including education,
business, government, the judiciary, the arts, and advocacy.
The 2008 class of Women of Distinction will be introduced to
alumnae and friends of Girl Scouting at a reception on January
10, 2008 at the Champaign Regional Service Center. The Legacy
of Leadership Celebration will be April 10, 2008 at the Hawthorn
Suites in Champaign. Tickets will be available from the
Champaign Regional Service Center.
Ready. Set. Go! is the theme for our 2008 Girl
Scout Cookie Program Activity. This activity is a
long-standing, American tradition that teaches girls a
myriad of skills. Girls learn valuable skills that will
benefit them throughout their lives. Additionally,
their participation supports programs that help them
develop into productive young women.
Throughout the Girl Scout Cookie Activity, girls
manage inventory, set goals, learn money management, and develop marketing skills. Essentially, the
girls run their own business. The entire troop sets a
goal and follows a plan leading toward that goal. Girl
Scout troops use their proceeds to fund service
projects, plan local activities and many plan exciting
trips. Many successful women have credited their
business skills to the Girl Scout Cookie Activity,
making it the premier business and economic literacy
program for girls in the United States.
Research shows that people buy Girl Scout Cookies
because they believe in and want to be a part of what
Girl Scouting does for girls. The goals a girl sets for
her participation in the Cookie Program Activity are
what customers want to hear about. They want to be
a part of helping girls achieve their goals.
Many of our Girl Scouts set cookie goals that relate to a camp session, activity or event they want to participate during the summer.
Through the cookie activity girls earn Cookie Dough to help them
attend a camp session that interests them.
For instance, many of
our girls love to ride
horses and choose to
earn Cookie Dough to
attend a week-long camp
session that involves all
kinds of horse riding
activities. While other
girls love to swim, canoe,
hike, try their hand at
archery, travel or learn a
new skills.
“The Girl Scout Cookie
Activity is a valuable part
of the Girl Scout experience. The skills girls gain
truly help them develop into future business leaders,” states Pam
Kovacevich, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. “It’s always exciting to see girls developing skills they might not realize they are developing while its happening.”
Proceeds from the Cookie Program Activity help the council fund the
Girl Scout program and membership services. This includes financial
assistance for girl membership and camperships, council-sponsored
events, upkeep and development of council program sites, and Girl
Scout outreach activities for girls at-risk.
The sale dates for the Girl Scout Cookie Activity are: January 11 - 27,
2008, delivery of cookies is from February 24 - March 12, 2008.
Cookies sell for $3.50 a box.
Even though it may be cold out now . . . we are gearing up for an
awesome summer of events and activities. Every January our Girl Scouts race to their
mailbox in anticipation of our summer activities and events guide. This is when they get to start planning all those
incredible adventures for their summer. This year is no exception. Our program staff has been hard at work designing
all kinds of fun and exciting activities for girls of all ages. Our resident camp is the most popular of all our events.
Girls get to spend a week or more at camp participating in all kinds of activities such as horseback riding, canoeing,
swimming, hiking, and more.
Camp is a great experience for girls. Where else can they meet and work with counselors from around the United States
and around the world, build self-confidence and explore there own unique talents? Camp is a place of adventure, fun
and education. It’s about the girls and the Girl Scout program. It gives girls a chance to appreciate the diversity of the
communities in which they live and it opens a world of opportunities to them.
Calling all Girl Scout Alumnae . . . we’d love to hear from you. Now that we have realigned our councils, we are
gathering information about all our alumnae. Please take a minute to fill out the information form below and return it to us so we can
start to plan alumnae events and keep you informed about the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.
Name
Phone Number
Address
City
State
Zip
Email Address
Which Girl Scout Council(s) are you associated with?
How many years were you a Girl Scout?
Please complete and mail this form to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, 3020 Baker Dr., Springfield, IL 62703
Headquarters, Springfield
Pam Kovacevich, Chief Executive Officer
Debbie Weise, Chief Financial Officer
Rene Brethorst, Chief Operating Officer, Membership
Kelly Day, Chief Operating Officer, Program
Brandy Luna, Senior Accountant
Spring Hutson, Bookkeeper
Michelle Londrigan, Office Services/Data Resource
Cam Lahart, Coordinator Volunteer Services
Amy Lefringhouse, Property Manager (Quincy RSC)
Molly Wilson, Communications Specialist (Peoria RSC)
CJ Hinrichsen, Product Sales (Bloomington RSC)
Charity Durbin, Support Staff
Bloomington Regional Service Center,
Bloomington
Carla Houser, Regional Operating Officer
Pennie Owens, Community Development/Adult Development
Coordinator
Andy Johnson, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Carla Fritz, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Katie Holtzman, Outdoor Education/Program Development
Coordinator
Angela Hall, Communications/Fund Development Specialist
Patty Michaels, Business Services Coordinator
Anne Lehmkuhl, Special Events Coordinator
Gene Bolda, Registrar
Kurt & Katie Poppe, Site Manager
Peru Satellite Office, Peru
Linda Volker, Assistant Regional Operating Officer
Danielle Austin, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Lisa Sons, Outreach Coordinator/Receptionist
Champaign Regional Service Center, Champaign
Vickie Harber-Wheeler, Regional Operating Officer
Melissa Sons-Ashmore, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Sara Devlin, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Jennifer Brown, Community Development Program
Development Coordinator
Rhonda Sykes, Community Development/Outreach Coordinator
Billie Waddell, Outdoor Education/Program Development
Coordinator
Holly Thompson, Communications/Fund Development Specialist
Stephanie Garrett, Business Services Coordinator
Joy Goatz, Receptionist/Registrar
Jim Kirby, Site Manager
Decatur Regional Service Center, Decatur
Jamie Osborne, Regional Operating Officer (also Springfield)
Jody Mink, Community Development/Adult Development
Coordinator
Jilla Young, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Robin Howard, Program Development Coordinator
Sara Ervin, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Sonja Chargois, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Susan Gentry, Business Services Coordinator
Crystal Bragg, Receptionist/Registrar
Peoria Regional Service Center, Peoria
Linda Woods, Regional Operating Officer
Lisa Trimble, Community Development/Adult Development
Coordinator
Jenny Doerr, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Mary Anderson, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Amanda Henderson, Outdoor Education/Program Development
Coordinator
La’Trice Hudson, Community Outreach Coordinator
Renee Stanley, Community Outreach Coordinator
Ashley Psinas, Communications/Fund Development Specialist
Susan Riggans, Business Services Coordinator
Carolyn Campbell, Receptionist/Registrar
Jeff Woo, Site Manager
Quincy Regional Service Center, Quincy
Lauren Bowman, Regional Operating Officer
Mary Muehlenfeld, Community Development/Adult
Development Coordinator
Jessica Foster, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Erica Douglas, Communications/Fund Development Specialist
Shirley Moore, Business Services Coordinator
Kim Caster, Receptionist/Registrar
John Drake, Site Manager
Macomb Satellite Office, Macomb
Amy Hutcherson, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Springfield Regional Service Center, Springfield
Jamie Osborne, Regional Operating Officer (also Decatur)
Buffi Kaufman, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Erin Lockwood, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Janelle Dowd, Adult Development Coordinator & Product Sales
Lori Johans0n-Carrino, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Roberta Pool, Community Development/Program Development
Coordinator
Stephanie Vancil, Community Development/Program
Development Coordinator
Lynette Nelson, Communications/Fund Development Specialist
Teri Walter, Business Services Coordinator
Ashley Caldwell, Secretary/Registrar
Tom Taylor, Site Manager
Our staff members would love to hear from you. Please
feel free to contact them with your questions or concerns.
Email addresses for staff members is their first initial of
their first name and their entire last name, for instance;
Kelly Day’s email is [email protected].
All office hours are:
Monday 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
To learn more about Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, visit
our website at www.girlscouts-gsci.org.
Bloomington Regional Service Center - Bloomington, IL
3 Westport Court, Bloomington, IL 61704
309-662-5384 or 800-777-1912 (T) 309-663-8116 (F)
serving the counties of Livingston, Logan and McLean
Champaign Regional Service Center - Champaign, IL
701 Devonshire, Suite B16, Champaign, IL 61820
217-328-5112 or 800-328-5112 (T) 217-328-1548 (F)
serving the counties of Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion
Decatur Regional Service Center - Decatur, IL
Bloomington Regional Service Center
462 W. William St., Decatur, IL 62522
217-423-7791 or 800-791-9319 (T) 217-423-7762 (F)
serving the counties of Christian, DeWitt, Mason, Moultrie, Piatt and
Shelby
Champaign Regional Service Center
Peoria Regional Service Center - Peoria, IL
1103 W. Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61614
309-688-8671 or 800-640-8671 (T) 309-688-7358 (F)
serving the counties of Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford
Quincy Regional Service Center - Quincy, IL
3837 Eastlake Centre Dr., Quincy, IL 62305
217-222-1030 or 877-477-4757 (T) 217-222-8433 (F)
serving the counties of Adams, Brown, Pike and Schuyler
Decatur Regional Service Center
Springfield Regional Service Center & Headquarters
Springfield, IL
3020 Baker Dr., Springfield, IL 62703
217-523-8159 or 877-231-1446 (T) 217-523-8321 (F)
serving the counties of Cass, Greene, Macoupin, Mason, Menard,
Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott
Peoria Regional Service Center
Macomb Satellite Office, Macomb, IL
440 N. Lafayette, Suite 103, First Bankers Trust Building, Macomb, IL 61455
309-837-3386 (T) 309-837-3386(F)
serving the counties of Fulton, Hancock and McDonough
Peru Satellite Office, Peru, IL
1807 Fourth Street, Peru, IL 61354
815-223-3613 (T) 815-223-8950 (F)
serving the counties of Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam
Quincy Regional Service Center
Springfield Headquarters &
Regional Service Center
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
1103 W. Lake Ave.
Peoria, IL 61614
www.girlscouts-gsci.org
Peoria, IL
Permit No. 671