Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Announces New CEO Ana Simpson

MILWAUKEE – (October 11, 2023) – Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) is pleased to announce Ana Simpson as the new Chief Executive Officer, starting on October 23.

Simpson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to GSWISE’s mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Simpson most recently served as Director of Community and Economic Development at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), where she oversaw community affairs, event management, and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining WHEDA, Simpson’s nearly 30-year career spanned key roles in non-profit management, retail, and financial services.

Simpson not only offers a proven track record of leadership, she also brings a commitment to driving positive community change with decades of board service and volunteer work with organizations like La Casa de Esperanza, La Familia de Arte, Family Services of Waukesha, and TEMPO, where she currently serves as the Vice Chair and sits on the membership committee. Notably, she was also appointed by the Governor to sit on the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability.

A former Girl Scout troop leader herself for more than a decade and an active mentor to young professional women, Simpson is excited to align her passion for working with and developing girls and women into future community leaders with the Girl Scout mission.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join GSWISE and to continue to build upon its strong history and legacy serving the community I’ve called home for more than 35 years,” said Ana Simpson. “I’m excited to work alongside the purpose-driven team of staff, volunteers, and community supporters who are committed to bringing lifechanging experiences, safe spaces, and invaluable skills to the young women in southeastern Wisconsin. I firmly believe that Girl Scouting is the pipeline to building strong women and the next generation of leaders.”

GSWISE conducted an extensive national search to identify the right candidate to guide the organization into its next phase of growth and community impact. The search committee – including an external search firm and select Board members – were impressed by Simpson’s leadership qualities, strategic vision, and devotion to women’s empowerment, community connections, and volunteer service.

“The search committee was impressed with Ana’s dedication to community service, mentorship at every level, and execution of complex strategic initiatives,” said Nicole Best, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Board Chair. “Ana’s career and community involvement have proven her commitment to advancing those around her through heart-led, authentic leadership. She has a strong vision for the council and will be pivotal to advancing the mission of Girl Scouting throughout southeastern Wisconsin.”

A distinguished and recognized community member, Simpson has received numerous awards and honors, including the TEMPO Mentor Award, Madison 365 WI Most Influential Leaders, Emerging Leader of Waukesha award, and Non-Profit Partner of the Year by the Veterans Chamber of Commerce while leading VBOC at WWBIC.

“As the daughter of emigrant and immigrant parents, it is not lost on me that this announcement comes before the end of Hispanic Heritage Month and that I will be stepping into this role as the Council’s first Latina CEO,” continued Ana Simpson.

As CEO, Simpson will oversee membership, operations, fundraising, programming, and community engagement to ensure GSWISE is fulfilling its mission throughout its seven-county jurisdiction.

Simpson succeeds Christy Brown, who served as the organization’s CEO for ten years. She will assume the role of CEO of GSWISE on October 23, 2023.

About Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
Girl Scouts brings their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. We serve approximately 11,500 girls in grades K5-12, and 5,800 adults who believe in our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. With programs in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, we give every Girl Scout in our council the chance to reach their full leadership potential. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit gswise.org, email customercare@gswise.org, or call 800-565-4475.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.