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Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania Names Dr. Emily Fein as Chief Executive Officer
July 14, 2026
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Emily Fein as its next Chief Executive Officer. She will officially begin serving in the role on August 3, 2026. Fein succeeds Patricia A. Burkart, who is retiring after a 23-year career in Girl Scouts.
Fein joins Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania with nearly 16 years of leadership experience in Girl Scouts, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. During her tenure, she advanced innovative strategies that inspired girls to explore STEM careers through hands-on, real-world experiences. Among those efforts, she helped launch a program connecting Girl Scouts with astronauts aboard the International Space Station via ham radio as the station passed over their camp. She also played a key strategic role in the development of educational spaces, including the Jane Norton Girl Scout DreamLab—a dedicated activity center serving both Girl Scouts and the community—and the Vivian von Gruenigen, MD STEM Center of Excellence.
"I am honored to serve as the new CEO of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania,” Fein said. “As I begin this journey, I am excited to lead the council’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character alongside the dedicated volunteers, supporters, and staff who make this organization so impactful."
As CEO, Fein says her top priorities will include growing membership and ensuring that every girl who wants to join Girl Scouts has the opportunity. She also wants to help girls see themselves in roles and fields they may not have considered, especially where women have historically been underrepresented.
Originally from western Pennsylvania, Fein has fond memories from her days as a Girl Scout in Indiana. She attended day camp at Blue Spruce Park in Indiana, served as a kitchen aide and then camp counselor at Camp Conshatawba in Summerhill, and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Fein holds bachelor’s degrees in history and biology from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in education from Bank Street College of Education, and a doctorate in cultural foundations of education from Kent State University where she studied out-of-school time programs.
Mary Lou Vargo, chair of the board of directors for Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, said Fein’s leadership experience and personal connection to the council set her apart. “Her proven experience leading effective Girl Scout council operations, combined with her education and her western Pennsylvania roots, make her uniquely qualified for this role,” Vargo said. “We are confident that she will help guide our council into an exciting new chapter.”
