Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Welcomes Jill Leslie as Chief Development Officer
February 11, 2025
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council is proud to announce the appointment of Jill Leslie as its new Chief Development Officer. A seasoned fundraising executive and nonprofit leader, Leslie brings over 20 years of experience in driving mission-focused growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading high-performing development teams.
In her new role, Leslie will oversee fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and community partnerships to further strengthen the organization’s impact in empowering girls through life skills, STEM, the outdoors, and entrepreneurship.
“Jill’s wealth of experience and unwavering passion for nonprofit development make her an absolute asset for our team,” said Wendy Dordel, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council. “Her dynamic leadership will be key in opening new doors for girls, helping them thrive and build a supportive and empowering environment.”
Leslie’s connection to Girl Scouts is personal. She was a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout in her youth and later served as a troop leader for her daughter’s troop, fostering a passion for leadership and service in the next generation.
“I’m honored to join Girl Scouts of Gateway Council and contribute to a mission that has had such a profound impact on my own life,” said Leslie. “I look forward to engaging our community, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to grow into a leader of courage, confidence, and character.”
Prior to joining the Girl Scouts, Jill was the Vice President of Development for the YMCA of Florida's First Coast, where she led a $40 million multi-year campaign. She also held leadership roles at Catholic Charities Bureau St. Augustine, Women’s Center of Jacksonville, Wounded Warrior Project, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, where she drove significant fundraising growth, board engagement, and mission impact. As a nonprofit consultant, she has worked with over 30 organizations, securing over $10 million in grant funding.
Jill holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida. She is also a graduate of the Jim Moran Institute Nonprofit Executive Program and the Institute for Charitable Giving.
With a deep passion for empowering communities and creating sustainable philanthropic success, Jill excels in strategic leadership, donor relations, board development, and persuasive communication. She is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Girl Scouts by ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to discover her strengths and lead with confidence.
About Girl Scouts of Gateway Council:
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council serves more than 5,700 girls in 35 counties across northeast Florida. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
