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Girl Scouts of Colorado Names Dr. Amanda Kelly as New CEO
Nonprofit executive and child development expert selected following a national search
Girl Scouts of Colorado today announced Dr. Amanda Kelly as its next Chief Executive Officer. A behavioral scientist and proven nonprofit executive, Dr. Kelly will succeed CEO Leanna Clark, who announced her retirement earlier this year after six years of service to Girl Scouts of Colorado.
Dr. Kelly will join Girl Scouts of Colorado on August 24, 2026, working closely with Clark and the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition.
Dr. Kelly has spent the past 14 years at Firefly Autism, moving through senior clinical and executive leadership roles before being appointed President and CEO in 2021. Under her leadership, Firefly strengthened its financial position, expanded services across Colorado and into multiple states, and increased access to care for children, families, and communities in rural and underserved areas.
Dr. Kelly holds a Doctorate in Psychological Science and Behavior Analysis from Maynooth University in Ireland and is a Girl Scout Lifetime Member.
“My career has been grounded in one core belief: when young people have the right environment, relationships, support, and opportunities around them, they can thrive,” said Dr. Kelly. “That is also the promise of Girl Scouts. I am honored to join Girl Scouts of Colorado and to work alongside its staff, volunteers, families, Board, and partners to help more girls discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the leadership skills they need to be successful in the future.”
“Our Board conducted a rigorous national search, and Amanda stood out at every stage,” said Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya, Chair of the Girl Scouts of Colorado Board of Directors. “She brings deep expertise in child development, a strong record of organizational leadership, and a clear commitment to creating environments where children and families across Colorado can thrive. We are thrilled to welcome her as Girl Scouts of Colorado’s next CEO.”
Dr. Kelly is active in Colorado’s nonprofit and civic leadership community. She co-founded the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, the first chamber of commerce in the United States dedicated to advancing neurodivergent individuals in business and leadership and serves on the boards of CiviCO and the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. She was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2025 and CoBiz Magazine’s CEO of the Year in 2024.
Dr. Kelly’s appointment follows a comprehensive search led by the Board of Directors in partnership with Scion Executive Search.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
July 09, 2026
