Hired in 1982 as a membership marketing specialist, Maria’s
skills and previous experience in child development propelled her as she
advanced to the position of director of membership. She was ultimately hired as the Girl Scout
CEO in 1992, shortly before Hurricane Andrew took aim at South Florida,
devastating Girl Scout properties. Due
to her tenacity and firmness, the Girl Scouts were the very last FEMA claim
settled after Andrew. The administrative
service center was rebuilt as was the Barbara Moore Program Center, but FEMA
kept denying the claim for the four cabins at
As CEO, Maria guided not only Girl Scout staff and volunteers
in the operations of the council but also was a trusted and loyal partner with
area funding agencies, foundations and with local businesses and
corporations. After putting the properties
back together after Andrew, she went on to face a string of hurricanes in the
early 2000’s that impacted the properties once again. Through her determination she worked again with
FEMA to settle claims, rebuild more devastated sites all while gaining the
confidence of partnering agencies and funders.
She was determined to create stability for Girl Scout families, staff,
and volunteers.
A respected Girl Scout CEO across the nation, Maria was
frequently asked by Girl Scouts of the USA to serve on nationwide task groups
and was selected by the national organization for the Core Business Strategy
Task Group which met over the course of several years to design the merging of
Girl Scout councils nationwide.
Maria has served the board of directors of well throughout
the years, working in partnership with hundreds and hundreds of community
leaders who served on the Girl Scout board.
Her 33 years of service to the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida,
Inc. is commendable. She exemplified the
true qualities of the Girl Scout world….honestly, fairness, integrity, good
character, and excellent morals and ethics.
She was the face of Girl Scouting in our community and our friend for 33
years.
Maria’s planned retirement will allow her to spend more time
with her family especially her five year old granddaughter, who is a new Girl
Scout and attended summer camp last summer.
The Girl Scout staff and board of directors held a retirement
party for her complete with a fun “roast”.
She was reminded of several funny incidents throughout the years, given
amusing gifts along with a case of her favorite Girl Scout cookie, the Samoa. Her staff presented a custom designed trefoil
shaped pearl necklace while the board and Girl Scout volunteers attending,
presented her the Girl Scout 100th Anniversary Lladro Special Edition
Brownie Girl Scout and the customary retirement watch so that she will be on
time in her retirement!
We wish you all the best, Maria!