Girl Scout CEO Inducted Into Hall of Fame

YPSILANTI – Jan Barker’s leadership of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan was honored when she was inducted into Miami Dade College’s Alumni Hall of Fame during a ceremony on April 9 in Miami, FL.

Barker, a Miami native who has lived in Michigan for more than 30 years, said she is humbled to receive this recognition. Since 2007 she has been Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan which formed after a merger of councils throughout a 34-county area in mid-Michigan. Prior to that she was the CEO of one of these legacy councils based in Kalamazoo.

“I am very appreciative to my alma mater for this honor which is a validation of the power of Girl Scouting to build girls into leaders,” Barker said. “As a young girl growing up in Florida I was a Girl Scout. I credit that involvement with the person I have become.”

Under Barker’s leadership, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan has grown its girl and adult membership, in addition to experiencing continued increases in their Girl Scout Cookie sales despite economic downturns. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan ranks sixth for membership growth among the Top 10 councils throughout the United States.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan closed out 2014 with a record-breaking membership of more than 20,000 girls and more than 5,000 adult volunteers.

Barker’s numerous successes and forward-thinking approach to anticipating and meeting the ever-changing needs of girls has earned her the respect of leaders in business, education, and public service.

“Jan is a visionary leader committed to building the confidence, character and success of girls throughout Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan,” said Dr. Rose Bellanca, president of Washtenaw Community College. “She has been a collaborative partner with Washtenaw Community College in seeking to create innovative opportunities and programming for girls that promote leadership skills, self-confidence and tools for success that will carry them through high school, college and beyond.”

Bellanca said she thinks Barker’s appointment to the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame is well deserved.

Barker joins the ranks of MDC Hall of Famers, including actor Andy Garcia and Pulitzer prize-winning poet Nilo Cruz.

For additional information about Jan Barker or Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, visit www.gshom.org or call (800) 49-SCOUT.

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