Meet the new CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Jai Ferrell

The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta have announced the appointment of Jai Ferrell as their new CEO following a nationwide search. Ferrell, a native Atlantan and former Girl Scout, will be the first Black woman to serve in this role. She will lead over 23,000 Girl Scouts across 34 Metro Atlanta counties.

Ferrell, a fifth-generation Atlantan, joined the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta in the 1990s. She began her Girl Scouts journey at her local church, engaging in crafts and community-building activities. Prior to this appointment, Ferrell served as the Chief Commercial Revenue Officer for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The organization has been without permanent leadership since mid-2023, when former CEO Amy Dosik, who had served since 2014, resigned. Kathleen Marran has been serving as the interim CEO.

Interim CEO Kathleen Marran expressed enthusiasm about Ferrell’s appointment, stating, “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.”

The Board of Directors highlighted Ferrell’s “unique skill set and background,” including expertise in marketing, revenue management, and stakeholder engagement, as key factors in her selection. Incoming board chair Susan L. Lazaro added, “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.”

Ferrell expressed her pride in becoming the new face of the Girl Scouts, saying, “I’m proud to be a part of that legacy. I’m also proud to kind of take the torch and make sure that next time I won’t be the first. I’ll be one of many and make sure that glass ceiling I’m hitting, you know, I’m tapping into each time so it’s a walking mat for the next level of girls and women.”