Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Announce new CEO

The Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) has a new Chief Executive Officer. In addition to over 30 years of non-profit leadership experience, Patti Shafto-Carlson brings expertise in strategic planning, fund development, and volunteer management. Patti prides herself on building strong relationships with her teams and establishing lasting connections throughout her community.

Shafto-Carlson most recently held the role of executive director for the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, serving six Ascension hospitals in the Greater Milwaukee region. Prior to working in Milwaukee, she was the foundation director at Ascension St. Clare’s in Weston and Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Shafto-Carlson’s experience at Ascension includes working with the national Children’s Miracle Network program, serving as the region’s director for ministry St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for more than 25 years, and leading the organization’s national work as the regional hospital relations liaison.

“I am looking forward to bringing my passion and innovative thinking to an organization that has such a large impact on girls in my community,” said Shafto- Carlson. “I am committed to ensuring that our Girl Scouts have opportunities during these challenging times to build courage, confidence and character.”

Shafto-Carlson earned her bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in marketing from UW-Stevens Point. She is a member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has been a Rotarian for 10 years and has been a member of the Wausau Early Birds Rotary Club since 2017. She has served on several boards including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Simplicity Credit Union and Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin.

Helen Wronski has been serving as the Interim CEO for GSNWGL and will be working closely with Shafto-Carlson in the coming weeks to get her acquainted with the Council.

“Helen has been such a strong champion for the Girl Scout Movement, and her strategic support and dedication to moving Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes in the right direction during such a challenging time for our communities was vital.” said Patrice Pergolski, GSNWGL Board President.