Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Names Dr. Jeanette Ball as Chief Executive Officer
August 13, 2026
SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 13, 2026)—Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) has announced the appointment of Dr. Jeanette Ball, Ph.D., as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Ball’s employment will commence Monday, August 24, before she officially becomes CEO on Wednesday, September 2. Current Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas CEO MajGen Angie Salinas, USMC (Ret.), will retire Tuesday, September 1.
Dr. Ball brings more than three decades of leadership experience in education, youth development, strategic planning, community engagement and organizational transformation. She has served 13 years as a public school superintendent, leading Southwest ISD, Judson ISD, and Uvalde CISD through major initiatives focused on student success, operational improvement, fiscal stewardship, stakeholder trust, and expanded opportunity for young people.
Her appointment reflects the council’s continued commitment to strengthening impact and expanding opportunities for girls across Southwest Texas. As CEO, Dr. Ball will lead the council’s strategic direction and operations, advancing Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
“Dr. Ball is an accomplished and respected leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to young people, families, and communities,” said Lea Ream, Board Chair of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. “Her experience building trust across diverse communities and creating opportunities for youth makes her exceptionally well suited to lead our organization. The Board is confident she will bring the vision and energy needed to strengthen our impact for the communities and girls we serve.”
Dr. Ball’s background closely aligns with the council’s focus on community-centered leadership, cultural competency, and meaningful engagement with families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
“I am honored to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas,” Dr. Ball said. “Throughout my career, I have been guided by the belief that every young person deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize their potential. Girl Scouts has a powerful and enduring mission, and I look forward to working alongside our Board, staff, volunteers, families, donors, and community partners to support the next generation of girl leaders.”
Ball holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resources from Texas A&M University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Schreiner University. Her professional and community leadership includes service with regional civic and educational organizations such as UP Partnership, the TASA Advocacy Committee, Go Public, San Antonio Rotary, the Bexar County Education Coalition, and the Trinity University Forum Committee.
“Girl Scouts has shaped generations of leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and changemakers,” Ball said. “I am excited to build on that legacy and help ensure every girl across Southwest Texas has the opportunity to lead, thrive, and make a lasting impact.”
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About GSSWT:
Powered by approximately 3,000 adult volunteers, GSSWT serves more than 7,500 girls in its 21-county jurisdiction. Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Girls of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. 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 www.girlscouts-swtx.org.
