Russel Statham, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central California South, poses with Girl Scouts at a council event. Statham announced he will step down from the role on Aug. 4 after eight and a half years leading the organization. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Central California South

The leader of Girl Scouts of Central California South is preparing to hand off the reins after eight and a half years at the helm.

Russel Statham announced he will step down as CEO on Aug. 4, capping a tenure that included record membership, the launch of a first-of-its-kind innovation center and steering the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic.

His departure is timed to coincide with the end of the Girl Scout Triennium and the 58th National Council Session of Girl Scouts of the USA. Statham will first lead the council’s delegation to Washington, D.C., in late July before concluding his role.

During his time leading the Fresno-based council, GSCCS reached its highest membership in its history, opened the first Girl Scout Innovation Center in the nation and launched programs serving girls with incarcerated mothers, girls in foster care and group homes and students across Central California school districts through its Extended Learning Program. The organization also became debt free early in his tenure and recorded its most successful cookie season ever just before the pandemic hit.

Statham also served on the Girl Scout Movement’s Fast Forward Taskforce, helping guide the national organization’s pandemic response.

“Leading GSCCS has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career,” Statham said. “I have witnessed our Girl Scouts live our mission and make the world a better place on a daily basis. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as their CEO.”

After stepping down, Statham said he plans to launch a consulting practice focused on nonprofits and education.

The council named Chief Mission Delivery Officer Delailah Fajardo-Rosencrans as interim CEO, effective Aug. 5. She and Statham will share leadership responsibilities over the next four months to ensure a smooth handoff.

Board Chair Virna L. Santos praised both the outgoing and incoming leaders. “Russel has led with purpose and integrity, always centering the girls and families we serve,” Santos said. “Because of his leadership and the strength of the team he has built, GSCCS is entering this transition from a position of stability and momentum.”

The council said all programs and services will continue without interruption. Fajardo-Rosencrans is expected to share more about the organization’s future direction when she convenes the council’s annual meeting in August.