Brenda Episcopo (Photo provided)

ALBANY — The Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York has appointed Brenda Episcopo as the organization’s next chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1.

“In today’s world, nothing is more important than inspiring girls,” said Episcopo. “It’s hard to be a girl. They have so many pressures on them. I have spent my entire career helping others, and this opportunity to help girls be their best selves seemed just right to me.”

Episcopo brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the job. She most recently served as president and CEO of the United Way of New York State, the state association of United Ways, where she was responsible for strengthening the capacity of United Ways across the state to improve the lives of New Yorkers in their communities.

Prior to her work with United Ways of New York State, Episcopo served as executive director of the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area and as executive director of the Peacemaker Program in Utica. She has a master’s degree in applied sociology and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, both from SUNY Utica/Rome, Utica. She is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program of United Way Worldwide.

Episcopo has been recognized with many awards, including the Community & Humanitarian Woman of the Year (2016) by the Mohawk Valley Chapter of New York State Women Inc., Salute to Outstanding Women (2016) by the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley, Leadership: Encourage the Heart Award (2015) by Leadership Mohawk Valley, Accent on Excellence (2007) by the Observer-Dispatch and National Communications, and Follow the Leader Award (2007) by Leadership Mohawk Valley for demonstration of leadership and commitment to the Mohawk Valley.

She has one adult son and lives in Cohoes with her husband and black Labrador retriever.