The World's 50 Greatest Leaders

Rank
24
Previous: 23 Next: 25

Anna Maria Chávez

National Girl Scout Cookie Day
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 08: CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA Anna Maria Chavez poses for a photo on National Girl Scout Cookie Day on February 8, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Girl Scouts of the USA)Paul Morigi — Getty Images for Girl Scouts of
  • Title
    CEO
  • Affiliation
    Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Age
    48

When Chávez, the first person of color to head the scouts, took the helm in 2011, the 104-year-old institution seemed to be creeping toward anachronism. Not anymore. Chávez has added new badges in fields like financial literacy and STEM education. You can now buy Girl Scout cookies online. And Chávez has teamed with the likes of Sheryl Sandberg (on a campaign to encourage leadership among girls), First Lady Michelle Obama (who recorded a scouts recruitment video), and even Chris Rock, who collected more than $65,000 during the Oscars in donations and sales of Thin Mints and Tagalongs.