A Masterclass in Leadership: Thank You, Helen WRonski

About one year ago, I found myself interviewing candidates for the role of interim CEO for Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay (GSCB). At the time, there was a lot of intense discussion within the council about how we could save money if a current board member stepped directly into the role. But knowing the sheer volume and weight of the work required, I knew as Board Chair that it couldn’t be me—even though I was probably the closest to the daily operations.

So, I eagerly went to work, reaching out across my professional network to build a strong slate of candidates. Then, right before heading out one afternoon, I had a phone call with Helen Wronski. Little did I know, that single conversation would absolutely change my life and redirect the trajectory of our entire council a year later.

Our council hired Helen as interim CEO for what was originally supposed to be a short, transitional three-month contract. However, excellence demands extension. That contract was extended multiple times, turning what was a brief safety net into a transformational year-long journey.

Over the past year, I came to discover that every single time I spoke with Helen, it was like receiving a mini-MBA. You simply pulled up a seat, took notes, and prepared to learn from a master. And I don’t just mean because of her rich, legendary history within the Girl Scouts movement. I mean because of the deep, intentional type of leader she is.

🟢"Every single time I spoke with Helen, it was like receiving a mini-MBA. You simply pulled up a seat, took notes, and prepared to learn from a master."

Temeka & Helen at May 2026 Board Member at Camp Country Center

Helen taught me lessons by example that will undoubtedly make me a better executive and board leader for the rest of my life. Three distinct leadership hallmarks defined her time with us:

• It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. Helen and I would often look at the exact same organizational gaps. While my instinct is quick—pointing them out and cutting straight to the chase—Helen possesses an incredibly kind, elegant way of addressing those exact same issues. She reframes them completely, choosing a lens that builds up the team and naturally brings people along with her.

• Uncompromising standards of professional excellence. Every single time we jumped on a call, Helen was the perfect epitome of professionalism. Her signature blonde bob was impeccable, her pearls were always present, and her positive, steady demeanor was permanently on display. She is a timeless beauty—brains, elegance, and the total executive package.

• Radical, instant transparency. I will never forget a specific exercise she ran where she had staff and members write down anonymous questions on note cards. She answered them right then and there on the spot. There was no stepping aside to formulate a politically correct response, and no massaging the truth. She answered directly, and if she didn't know an answer, she simply said, "I don't know, but I'll find out and get back to you."

A Lasting Legacy and Brighter Future

Under Helen's meticulous leadership, our board enjoyed a level of transparent governance, open communication, and clarity we had not previously seen. Most importantly, our financial health has been deeply and strategically strengthened, setting us up for an incredibly exciting next three years of growth.

To honor her profound impact, our board was absolutely thrilled to establish a new scholarship for girls in Helen’s name, ensuring her legacy of strong leadership continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers. We are so proud to be one of nearly a dozen councils across the country that Helen has touched, guided, and beautifully prepared for an incoming permanent CEO.

On behalf of the GSCB Board of Directors, our staff, our girls, and our caregivers: Thank you, Helen Ronski, for being the absolute best interim CEO GSCB could have ever asked for. You have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our council. 💚

Temeka Easter Rice Board Chair, Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay (GSCB)

P.S. If you're interested in serving on the board of directors for GSCB, let's chat! Please provide the text you would like to be formatted, and I will assist you with the proper formatting without altering the content.