Girl Scout realignment continues in 2 counties

The national realignment of Girl Scout councils across the country continues with Girl Scouts of Ocean County and Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts among those leading the way; setting an example for others who will soon begin the process as well.

In January, delegates from the Mon-mouth and Ocean councils unanimously approved a resolution to move forward with the merger of both councils into one. The new Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, as it will be called, will be a high-capacity council serving approximately 18,000 girls, according to a press release.

"Staff and volunteers have been working hard to identify best practices for our new council," said Richard Renzulli, executive director, Girl Scouts of Ocean County.

"This is a very exciting, historic time for both our councils and all Girl Scouts on the Jersey Shore," said Sue McClure, chief executive officer, Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts. "With this vote comes the promise of even more quality program opportunities for girls and enhanced learning opportunities for volunteers."

Much as they did in creating the new council's name, the council realignment committee will continue to meet to develop a blueprint for the new council. Sev-eral subcommittees have also been established to review best practice procedures. These committees include finance; fund development; investments; governance; human resources; property; and transitional nominating.

Leadership for the new council has already been determined. All significant leadership roles will be filled by those currently involved with Girl Scouting in Monmouth and Ocean counties. McClure will become chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore; Renzulli will serve as chief operating officer. Filling other roles are Ronni Neiverth, Monmouth Council, as chief financial officer; Bahiyyah Abdullah, Ocean Council, as senior director of marketing and membership; Jenny Cody, Ocean Council, as senior director of program services; Nancy Cummons, Monmouth Council, as senior director of development and public relations; and Pat Kurz, Monmouth Council, as senior director of property and outdoor program.

Oversight leadership provided by the Board of Directors will be determined at a later date. The transitional nominating committee will develop a slate of officers and board members for election by membership delegates of both councils and nominating committee, according to the press release.

Once the realignment of councils is complete, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore will operate as one council with two business locations. All facilities will remain open and members will be able to visit either service center for the full range of service and support.

Some benefits of the realignment are already available. Girls belonging to either council can sign up for program opportunities offered by both the Mon-mouth Council of Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts of Ocean County. Program and registration information is available online at either www.mcgirlscouts.org or www.ocgsc.org.

More information about the realignment is available on the new Web site for Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, www.girlscoutsjs.org. Once the realignment is complete, this address will be the location of the new council's Web site.

The Monmouth and Ocean Girl Scouts councils serve more than 18,000 girls in the two counties in conjunction with nearly 6,000 adult volunteers.