Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Names New CEO

The Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Rolinda Sample has been named the new Chief Executive Officer for the council. She officially assumes her CEO position on July 15.

Sample most recently served as Chief Professional Officer for Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne, Wyo. where she successfully led the organization through a $6 million capital campaign to build a 12-acre site with outdoor recreation facilities and a 21,000 square foot Clubhouse. Additionally, she secured a multi-year Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center grant as well as various other statewide funding opportunities. Also, under Sample’s leadership, the organization received the Money Matters Innovation Award for implementation of a financial literacy program.

“Rolinda brings a wealth of leadership experience as well as a passion and enthusiasm for working with youth and community service. The Board of Directors is thrilled to introduce a leader of Rolinda’s caliber into our community,” said Helen Wimsatt, Board Chair, Girl Scouts on Kansas Heartland. “Rolinda possesses the qualifications and experience to ensure that the council continues to strengthen our mission in all the communities we serve.”

Prior to leading the youth organization, Sample spent much of her career working within her local Chamber of Commerce organizations including serving as Vice President for the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. She focused on creating a strong local economy, promoted the community, and represented the voice of business to government. She worked closely with volunteers and community organizations to help build membership and meet fundraising goals.

“This is a very exciting time to join the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland team as the new CEO. The dedicated staff and volunteers have developed a wonderful foundation for building girls with courage, confidence and character. I look forward to using the foundation to expand youth and adult membership as well as community support for the girls throughout the council’s 80-county service area,” said Sample.

“As I travel throughout the council, it will be fun meeting the girls and the people who make a difference in their lives. For more than five years, I have been traveling to Wichita to spend time with family and have enjoyed visiting communities across the state. I am excited to become a part of the Wichita community and once again be a Kansan.”

Originally from the Midwest, Sample and her husband relocated to Wichita following their son who graduated from Wichita State University and quickly found Wichita a great place to call home. Sample’s hiring follows an extensive national recruitment effort and vetting process conducted by its CEO Search Committee comprised of members of the board and community leaders. Current CEO, Liz Workman, will retire at the end of June after leading the organization for the past eight years.

*Photo Credit: Terri Whitley Photography