Deborah Hearn Smith, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana CEO, announced to the organization’s board and staff last week her plans to retire after decades with the organization.
In 1970, Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Kentucky State University, after which she became a field executive with the Girl Scouts organization. Two years later she was promoted to director of camping services and remained in that role until 1991, when she was named director of facilities and technology. In 2001, she rose to office of CEO of the Girl Scouts Hoosier Capital Council, and in 2007 when five of the Scouts councils merged, she was named CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
Her Girl Scouts journey has spanned most of her lifetime, and she is estimated to have impacted the lives of more than 1 million girls across the state.
A world without limits
As a young girl growing up in the eras of segregation and civil rights, Smith refused to let her surroundings keep her down. Sensing a need to nurture that attitude, Smith’s mother enrolled her into a local Girl Scouts troop. “I joined Girl Scouts because my mother wanted me to be engaged in activities that she thought would broaden my horizons and develop me as a whole person,” she said. “She was dedicated to the fact that as an African-American girl growing up in the ’50s and ’60s, that I not see my horizons as limited. And she found a fit in the core mission in Girl Scouts to help realize her dreams for me.”
It was in Girl Scouts that Smith made lifelong bonds with other young women who shared her values and desire to be venturesome. In fact, it was with her troop that Smith went on her first trip out of Indianapolis to New York City in 1964.
“One of the things that has been fascinating about Girl Scouts is that you learn very quickly that you can have a common value with people who have different lifestyles, but the value you share is caring about girls. There’s good in all of that,” she said. “We as a nation should learn that when you share a core value that’s the same, then you can find common ground. The diversity of lifestyles, belief systems, skin color, socioeconomics and more makes our relationships richer when you share a common value, like supporting girls and women.”
To heights unknown
Upon earning her first college degree, Smith intended to only help out with Girl Scouts during the summer on camping trips. That soon evolved into a full-time commitment.
“Each time I thought it was time for me to move on, Girl Scouts presented me with a unique opportunity for development,” said Smith, who shared that even after 47 years of service, her love of the organization continued to be renewed. “I find the organization as rewarding and challenging as I first did. It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to do a lifetime of work that I feel passionate about to impact the lives of generations of girls.”
Smith, when asked about her feelings on the girls she’s worked with, said she is proud to have been a part of their lives. “Many of the girls who I first nurtured and mentored in the camp environment are now women with families and careers of their own,” she said.
During a recent public engagement, Smith had a chance to speak with this year’s 500 Festival Queen, who also happens to be a Girl Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. Smith also earned the Gold Award, formerly known as the Curved Bar, when she was 17. It is the highest award one can receive in the organization.
“So I am now on the third generation of girls who come to me and say the opportunities of Girl Scouts have taken (them) to heights unknown,” said Smith.
What’s next
Following the announcement of Smith’s imminent retirement, the Girl Scouts released a statement saying a committee would be created to find Smith’s replacement before she steps down at the end of the year.
Smith has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. In fact, she said only one weekday on her calendar is currently free. “My schedule seems to be even busier in retirement,” she said. “I plan to delve into music and genealogy, which have always been passions of mine. I will also be able to spend more time with the other organizations I’m passionate about including Circle City Chapter of the Links and my church.” Smith also plans to do a lot of traveling with family and friends.
Deborah Hearn Smith
