We have a new cookie boss in town! Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) is proud to welcome Courtney Watts to the GSCSA family, joining the council in mid-July. As Vice President of Product Programs, she oversees the logistics and planning for the Girl Scout Product and Cookie Programs.

Did you know Girl Scouts in our council sold 1,579,511 boxes of cookies and 79,306 items of Fall Product last year? That’s a lot of sweet treats! Courtney will make sure that those goodies make it to the girls and consumers across our council, monitor sales and promotions, manage warehouse and cupboard inventories, order fun rewards, edit product guides, visit vendors, train volunteers, and more!  

Prior to joining Girl Scouts, she spent nearly 15 years as the director of programming at National Fitness Center. She has also worked for the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley and Amelia Island Plantation. Since receiving her Bachelors in Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Courtney hardly misses an opportunity to cheer on the Volunteers at basketball games!

As a former Brownie, Courtney can’t wait to work for an organization that has such an impact on so many girls’ lives! Get to know Courtney better as she recently shared her goals, hobbies, and industry secrets.

What are some of your goals coming into this new role?

My goal is to do all that I can through product programs to give girls the opportunities to learn about goal setting, financial planning, and entrepreneurship. I hope that from fall product and cookies, they are able to fund whatever goal/experience/adventure their troop decides.

What’s your favorite industry secret learned during your career?

Start with a smile.  Whether you are meeting someone new, passing a stranger in the hallway, or asking someone if they would like a box of their favorite Girl Scout Cookies….starting with a smile makes all the difference.

Which Girl Scout Cookie is your favorite?

When I was little it was Thin Mint, but as an adult I love Samoas.

What are you passionate about outside your career?

When it isn’t too hot, I like to hike, camp, and fish.  I also really enjoying traveling throughout the USA and internationally.  I love to explore new places, meet new people, eat lots of great food, and experience different cultures.