Governance | GSHNJ

Working together to build courage, confidence, and character.

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is a member-driven organization with Girl Scouts, caregivers, and volunteers actively engaged in creating strategic direction that influences governance and operations.

GSHNJ Town Halls toggle arrow

In-person Town Halls are called ad hoc by the Board of Directors to facilitate any upcoming governance meetings. They are meant to be informal and social. Dress is business casual, and light refreshments are usually provided.

Annual & Special Meetings toggle arrow

18th Annual Meeting: April 18, 2026 | The Ridge Hotel & Conference Center
What to Expect

As required in Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey’s bylaws, the GSHNJ Council meets annually to elect officers and Board members, Board Development Committee members, and National Council Delegates, amend bylaws if necessary, and receive reports from the Board of Directors.

Voting members include elected Board members, Board Development Committee members, National Council Delegates (excluding the CEO), and Service Unit Delegates. Any registered member of GSHNJ who is 14 years or older may attend as a guest.

In-person or virtual Special Meetings of the Council are called in between Annual Meetings by the Board or upon the written request of at least 25% of the voting members. Special Meetings are called only to address urgent governance matters that require approval from the voting members.

Service Unit Delegations toggle arrow

Service Unit Delegates are the conduit between the members of our service units and our Board of Directors. Delegates have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the community they represent, actively engage with their constituents, and liaise with GSHNJ staff and Board of Directors to influence the strategic direction of our council. Service Unit Delegates are the voice of their communities at GSHNJ Town Halls, Annual Meeting, and any special meetings called by the Board of Directors.

Service Unit Delegates report to Service Unit Managers and are voting members of the council. They serve a term of two years and may serve for no more than three consecutive terms. Service units hold elections or select their delegates and alternates in the fall, so they may begin their terms on October 1. Each service unit is entitled to two delegates, who must be 14 years or older and registered members of GSHNJ.

Each service unit may also select an Alternate Delegate who may represent their service unit at any governance meetings that their Service Unit Delegates are unable to attend. Alternate Delegates have the same responsibility to be knowledgeable about the community they represent, actively engage with their constituents, and liaise with GSHNJ staff and Board of Directors. Term limits for alternates are determined by the service unit.

SU Delegate Rally

National Council Delegation toggle arrow

National Council Delegates represent GSHNJ at GSUSA’s triennial National Council Session adjacent to the national convention. They also serve as voting members of GSHNJ.

National Council Delegates serve a term of three years, are selected by GSHNJ’s Board Development Committee, and are elected at the Annual Meeting in the year prior to the triennial NCS.

The current delegation’s term expires in the spring of 2028.

Delegates
Julianna Abrantes
Bella Fajardo
Natasha Durant
Shelby Manning
Ashritha Nayanala
Alyssa Parola
Dr. Naima Ricks
Vega Sarma
Lydia Smith-Boyd
Erin Sweeney
Michelle Tarry

Alternate Delegates
Alison Campo
Emmy Christiansen
Ivonne Droz
Alzahraa Hanafy
Lucia Junkroft
Stacy Plummer
Catalina Villasuso
Anjali Yalamanchili

Governance Documents toggle arrow

GSHNJ Strategic Plan 2025-2027 (PDF)
GSUSA Blue Book of Basic Documents (PDF)
GSHNJ 990 (PDF)
GSHNJ Bylaws (PDF)
GSUSA Libro Azul de Documentos Básicos (PDF)
GSHNJ FY 2025 Impact Report (PDF)
GSHNJ FY 2024 Impact Report (PDF)

Our Council

Our Structure

Vision & Leadership