The governance process at Girl Scouts of Nassau County is defined by the council's bylaws. Led by the board president, the board of directors exercises its ultimate authority and fulfills its responsibility to advance the Girl Scout mission: for the care, custody, and oversight of Girl Scouting in Nassau County; and for providing leadership on financial and policy issues and guiding the strategic direction of the council.
Board of Directors
The board of directors maintains the integrity and the purpose of Girl Scouting. The board’s responsibilities include policymaking, fund development, and strategic planning.
Interested in joining GSNC's board of directors? View our board prospectus to learn more or submit the board referral form today.
Officers
Andrea Elder-Howell
President & Chief Volunteer Officer
Tonia Bottoms
Vice President
Melanie Sinesi
Executive Vice President
John Zhao
Vice President
Julie Strachan Haiber
Secretary
Allison Bishop White
Vice President
Leah Watson
Treasurer
Members-at-Large
Gillian Atkinson
Trisha Brown
Susan MacDonald
Jackie Morrison-Brailsford
Dr. Katrina Rochelle Sims
Linda Silva Thompson
Caralinn Becker
Danielle D'Ambrosio
Mike Mannix
Melanie Pavlidis
Anne Marie Spensieri-Fidis
Denise Voda
Natalie Borneo
Gabby Gibbs
Patricia Mercer
Dr. Jean Peden Christodoulou
Angela Stanley
Pawel Zagaja
Kevin Boston-Hill
Adrian Goodwin
Lasherelle Morgan
Noel Raab
Lauren Summa
Board Development Committee
The board development committee works to prepare and present a single slate of nominees, to be considered for election at the annual meeting, to the board of directors, board development committee and, every three years, national council delegates and alternates.
Interested in joining GSNC's board development committee? View our board prospectus to learn more or submit the board referral form today.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is the yearly business meeting of the council, held each May in accordance with the council's bylaws. The annual meeting provides a vital opportunity for council delegates to be part of the influencing body on matters of importance to our council. Voting members of the council convene annually to:
- Elect officers and members of the board of directors, members of the board development committee; and every three years, the delegates and alternates to the National Council Session.
- Consider any proposed amendments to the bylaws.
- Provide input on key issues affecting the council and the Movement.
- Consider any other business appropriate to come before the council in accordance with the process established by the board of directors.
National Council Session
GSUSA’s 58th National Council Session (NCS) will take place in Washington, D.C. in July 2026. GSNC is currently recruiting nominees, both adults and girls (14+), to serve as the national delegates who will represent our council at this triennial business meeting. National delegates serve a three-year term and will be elected at our 60th GSNC Annual Meeting in May 2025. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a national delegate, please review our National Delegate Prospectus for further details and how to apply.
Association Governance
Each of GSNC’s 35 service units elect governance volunteers to represent their membership at our annual meeting. This democratic system is an integral part of Girl Scouting. As the primary communication link between our girl and adult members and our board, these delegates have the opportunity to influence decisions that benefit the girls we serve and to share input on the council’s strategic direction.
Delegates and alternates are encouraged to actively participate in governance forums and workshops throughout the year, as well as at the council annual meeting, and act as the voice of their association’s members.
