May Our Promise Newsletter

Welcome Brenda Marsian, Chief Philanthropy Officer

In March, Brenda Marsian, CFRE, joined Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri as the Chief Philanthrophy Officer, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission. Brenda most recently served as the Vice President for Development & Communications at Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, Connecticut, where she led a dynamic team of six in successfully raising over $6 million annually in operating support. Brenda also played a pivotal role in creating a $5 million individual giving plan to diversify revenue by targeting wealth in key Hartford suburbs. Prior to Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, Brenda was the Chief Development Officer at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club where she successfully concluded a $24 million capital campaign. While at Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Brenda led a $12.35 million campaign that infused much needed dollars for an all-girls camp and all-boys camp and she led a $40 million comprehensive campaign for Springfield College. Brenda possesses a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Hartford, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Western New England University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Both Brenda and her husband, John Kaufhold, CFO at Lindenwood University, and their son Shawn have relocated to St. Louis from the East Coast and are excited to be a part of the eastern Missouri community. “I am overjoyed to welcome Brenda to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri,” said Dr. Natissia Small, CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “She brings a wealth of experience, advocating for young people through fundraising efforts. We are so fortunate to have Brenda join our team and help support our girls develop into strong leaders of tomorrow.”

“I am thrilled to join Dr. Small and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri in their mission to empower girls through philanthropic support. GSEM’s dedication to girls’ development is truly commendable, and I am eager to establish new partnerships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to further their impact. I am honored to take on this important role and eager to contribute to GSEM’s continued success.”

-Brenda Marsian, CFRE, Chief Philanthrophy Officer, GSEM