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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Announces New CEO
March 24, 2023
ST. LOUIS, MO ─ March 24, 2023 ─ Following an extensive national search process, the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) is excited to announce Dr. Natissia Small, as its new CEO, effective April 17, 2023. Dr. Small is succeeding longstanding CEO, Bonnie Barczykowski, who was recently named CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA following ten years of successful strategic vision, fundraising, and leadership at GSEM.
Dr. Small joins GSEM after nearly three decades as a higher education leader, where she has dedicated her career to creating innovative programs and partnerships to provide students and their families with holistic support through education, mentorship, professional skill building, and resources needed to access and finish college to become strong leaders in the global workforce.
“I’m overjoyed for the opportunity to serve as the new CEO for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, whose mission is intentionally focused on building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place,” said Dr. Small. “This is a pivotal time for GSEM, a transformational moment of excitement, and I look forward to working collaboratively with all colleagues, community partners, and our volunteers and families to create pathways for all girls to be purposeful leaders today and long into the future.”
As CEO, Dr. Small will maintain a strong focus on strengthening the valued group of partnerships that exist for GSEM today, as well as cultivate new collaborative relationships to support the Girl Scout mission, with a continuous lens to deliver transformative practices to empower girls in eastern Missouri.
“Natissia’s educational and progressive professional experience makes her the ideal leader to step into the role as our new CEO,” said Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Board Chair, Dawn Kotva. “Under her leadership, we are well-positioned to advance into the future with a continued commitment to helping all girls in our region build the skills they will use to lead in their homes, our workplaces, and our communities.”
Dr. Small was born and raised in rural Charleston, Missouri. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University. She also earned dual master’s degrees in Secondary School Education-Adult Education, and Counseling, as well as obtained her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Missouri–S֪t Louis. Dr. Small formerly served as Vice Provost for Access, Academic Support, and Workforce Integration at the University of Missouri–St Louis. She is also the recipient of several awards and recognitions, highlighting her leadership, educational contributions, and community engagement.
