Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (GSHG) proudly announces Krystal Crawford as its new Chief Executive Officer. Crawford succeeds longtime CEO Sue Else, who recently retired after 11 years of dedicated service.
Crawford has over 26 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, youth development, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Coastal Georgia, overseeing operations of 11 branches across eight counties. She was the first woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, membership increased, fundraising grew, and corporate partnerships and board engagement were significantly strengthened.
Crawford is a strong advocate for youth and families, having served as a Subject Matter expert on childcare issues, contributing to state-level policy work, and was a member of the Governor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, where she championed youth programs aimed at reducing violence. During her time at YMCA, she also partnered with the WNBA to host Her Time to Play, a basketball skills and leadership development program for girls.
Prior to her work with YMCA, Crawford held several leadership positions with U.S. Army Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), where she served military families, soldiers, and civilians. In these roles, she managed a wide range of recreational activities, developed and implemented several fitness programs, and played a key role in improving how outcomes were measured and success was defined.
Her commitment to driving mission-focused results make her an ideal leader for GSHG’s next chapter. “We are excited to welcome Krystal to Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia,” said Jeff Wilson, Chair of the GSHG Board of Directors. “I’m confident she’ll build on the amazing work we are already doing and help us keep making a real difference for every Girl Scout.”
As CEO, Crawford will oversee council operations across 125 counties—122 in Georgia, two in South Carolina, and one in Alabama—serving more than 7,000 girls and nearly 4,000 adult members. Her priorities will include expanding access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, deepening engagement with volunteers and families, and advancing the organization’s reach and relevance in communities across the council’s footprint.
“I am honored to step in this role and join a movement that’s been building strong girls for more than a century,” said Crawford. “I can’t wait to work alongside our incredible volunteers, staff, families, and community partners to create even more space where every girl feels safe, seen, and inspired to grow into her full potential.”
Crawford is a graduate of the State University of West Georgia, where she earned a degree in recreation and corporate fitness and was named the West Georgia College Sports Woman of the Year in 1992. She’s also a proud graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia and Leadership Augusta, has earned multiple leadership awards, including the Lenn Reed Leadership Award for the Alpha Xi Delta sorority for three consecutive years, and has given back through roles with Savannah South Rotary and other local nonprofit boards.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Krystal Crawford, please contact Chelsea Simpson at [email protected].
