Cara Biddlecom appointed CEO of Girl Scouts of Western New York

Girl Scouts of Western New York Press Release and Photo

The Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) recently announced the appointment of Cara Biddlecom as the new CEO. A Western New York native, former Girl Scout, and experienced public health leader, Biddlecom brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

“Cara brings a wealth of experience and an impressive public health leadership and innovation background. Her strategic management skills, commitment to equity, and ability to build strong partnerships make her an excellent fit for our organization,” said Lynn M. Lubecki, president of the board of directors for GSWNY.

Biddlecom holds a Master of Public Health in health behavior from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from The Evergreen State College. She has held several executive positions, most recently as interim public health director at the Oregon Health Authority, where she led a team of over 1,000 employees, a biennial budget of $1.5 billion, and supported over 100 unique programs that collectively served all 4.2 million Oregonians, such as drinking water services, newborn bloodspot screening, maternal and child health home visiting, school-based health centers and more.

A vision for the future

With her extensive experience and a clear vision for the future, Biddlecom is poised to lead GSWNY into a new era of growth and impact.

“My career has always been driven by a passion for supporting individuals and communities in reaching their fullest potential, and I am excited to bring that passion to the Girl Scouts of Western New York,” Biddlecom said. “I am committed to expanding our reach across the entire Western New York region and ensuring that every young person in our community has the opportunity to become a leader in their own right.”

As CEO, Biddlecom will oversee all aspects of GSWNY’s operations, including strategic planning, program development, and community outreach. She is particularly focused on enhancing the organization’s programs to better meet the evolving needs of Girl Scouts today, including initiatives around STEM education, mental health, and civic engagement.

Biddlecom’s connection to the region further strengthens her commitment to the role. Her parents were lifelong educators in Western New York. Growing up in a family dedicated to education and community service has deeply influenced her leadership style and her dedication to making a positive impact. As a parent of two young children, Biddlecom is especially committed to creating a bright future for the next generation.

About Girl Scouts of Western New York

Girl Scouts of Western New York serves Girl Scouts and adult volunteers across the GSWNY jurisdiction, including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The council’s administrative service centers are located in Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Rochester.

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges – whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.

To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.