FRESNO, Calif. — Dr. Russel Statham, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Central California South, announced Tuesday he will be stepping down from leadership on August 4th of 2026.
Statham spent eight and a half years serving the organization.
Girl Scouts of Central California South serves thousands of girls across Central California through programs in entrepreneurship, life skills, outdoors, and STEM.
“Leading GSCCS has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career,” said Statham. “I’m incredibly proud of our team, volunteers and community that make this work possible. Most importantly, I am deeply proud of our Girl Scouts. I have witnessed them 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.” -Dr. Russel Statham, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central California South
During his tenure, GSCCS saw its highest membership ever as a Council, developed and launched the first Girl Scout Innovation Center in the nation, and initiated a bold and ambitious vision for an Outdoor Urban Basecamp for which the Council has secured its first major gift.
Statham’s tenure also saw the development of the Girl Scout Family Connection Program which serves girls of incarcerated mothers, new programs to serve girls in foster care and group homes, and the launch of the Extended Learning Program which operates in school districts throughout Central California.
The end of Dr. Statham’s tenure coincides with the end of the Girl Scout Triennium and the 58th National Council Session of Girl Scouts of the USA., and he will lead the Council’s delegation to Washington, D.C. in late July.
Early in his tenure, the Council became debt free, enabling it to finance and fund the Girl Scout Innovation Center. As CEO, Statham saw its most successful cookie season in history just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He steered the Council through the pandemic, and co-led the Girl Scout Movement’s response as a member of its Fast Forward Taskforce – all while innovating in virtual and hybrid program delivery.
“As I transition from CEO leadership, I’m looking forward to taking time to recharge and recenter on what matters most to me. I plan to enter a consulting practice where I can broaden the impact I can have in the non-profit and education sector by supporting more mission-driven organizations and individuals in their quest to change the world for the better.”
The organization announced Delailah Fajardo-Rosencrans has been appointed as Interim CEO beginning August 5th. She currently serves as Chief Mission Delivery Officer.
“Ms. Fajardo-Rosencrans brings continuity and forward-thinking leadership to this role. The Board looks forward to working with her to guide a seamless transition.” –Board Chair Virna L. Santos
GSCCS will continue all programs, services and operations as usual during the transition.
