Meet Cynthia Bramlett Thompson
Chair, National Board of Directors 2002-2005

Interviewed by Ed Levy, staff writer

	Cynthia, left, with daughter Sela
	MORE ABOUT CYNTHIA B. THOMPSON From 1989-93, Cynthia served as board member, vice president of corporate planning and chair of the program committee at the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis. Elected to the Girl Scout National Board of Directors in 1996, she has served nationally as Second Vice President, as a member of the Finance, Human Resources and Fund Development Committees, and as chair of the Special Committee on Compensation and Benefits. Cynthia received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a Master's degree in nutrition from Michigan State University, and another MA in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis. She is Curator Emeritus of the University of Missouri System and an emeritus national board member of Girls, Inc., where she has held many positions, including that of president. Currently, Cynthia and husband Ronald L. Thompson are major shareholders in Midewest Stamping, Inc. She and her husband have two grown children, Sela and Mance.

"My message to volunteers is: We value you and appreciate all that you do. You are vital to the continued success of the Movement."

At the fall 2002 National Council Session/Convention, National Board Member Cynthia B. Thompson was elected Chair, National Board of Directors for a three-year term. A talented, successful educator and business executive, Cynthia knows firsthand the importance and value of volunteering. "When you sit back and look at how short life is, and what matters," she has said, "you can't help asking what you can do to help."

LEADER: Congratulations on your election.

CYNTHIA: Thank you. I'm looking forward to the next three years.

LEADER: What strengths will you draw upon as you assume your new post as Chair?

CYNTHIA: I like working with people within organizations, either to develop them or to get them engaged in a particular initiative. I feel strongly that you are only as effective as the people with whom you work. That's something I've learned from experience. We have a highly energized board, and I know that all the board members will be actively engaged. Along with myself, I hope that all of the board members can visit as many councils as possible over the next three years. I want everyone to know that the board is accessible, that we're interested in their needs and their views. That's why we're here.

LEADER: Tell us something about your experiences as a Girl Scout.

CYNTHIA: I was a Girl Scout for several years, as was my sister. My mother was a cookie chair and participated in camping activities. During college, I was a counselor at a Girl Scout camp. My own daughter was a Girl Scout. So Girl Scouting runs deep in my family. Life can be very complex. And if you're prepared, you're much better off. Girl Scouting really does prepare you to interact effectively with others, makes you ready for leadership, and gives you an opportunity to spread your wings.

LEADER: What would you say to teens today who are wondering whether Girl Scouts is for them?

CYNTHIA: Girl Scouting gives any girl an opportunity to develop leadership skills and character, and to become involved in community service activities that will last throughout her lifetime. The things Girl Scouts do in areas like information technology and the environment are very relevant. The organization has changed because the needs of girls and women have changed. Girl Scouts has kept up with that.

LEADER: Like showing girls possible career paths?

CYNTHIA: That's part of it. I think life is about options. The more options you have, the more likely you are to find what works for you. Although I've been married over 30 years and have two children, I'm very career oriented. But there are people who may not want a career. And so it's more about options in the broadest sense: These are things I can do, these are opportunities I can have. I can do all kinds of things if I want to.

LEADER: Do you think Girl Scouts can help teens with their relationship issues?

CYNTHIA: Young women today face many more perils than when I was growing up. I think if you feel good about yourself, if you value yourself as a person, you're less likely to be drawn into behaviors or relationships that can be detrimental, whether it's drugs or sexual activity or even violence. Girl Scouts provides that kind of support. To be confident enough to walk away from a situation because it's not right for you is really critical, especially for that age group.

LEADER: Do you think there's a gap between the reality girls experience and the way Girl Scouts perceives them?

CYNTHIA: Based on the projects that have been developed, and especially with the addition of the Girl Scout Research Institute, I don't think there is a gap. The whole concept of STUDIO 2BSM was specifically developed by asking teens what they need and want, so that we can offer them the experience they're looking for. That doesn't mean that our options and activities for teens can't improve, but I don't see the gap.

LEADER: Do you have specific goals you hope to accomplish as Chair?

CYNTHIA: I want to be accessible to the volunteers and continue the dialogue throughout the Girl Scout Movement. I also think I have an important obligation to work closely with our board members, who are so talented, and help prepare them for future roles as officers.

LEADER: You work full time in your own company. With your career, your family and your service to the Girl Scouts, you must have a pretty full schedule. Do you find time for recreation?

CYNTHIA: My husband and I used to be avid runners. Then, about 10 years ago we started walking! Now we walk or do some kind of activity almost daily. I love to read. I love plants and enjoy gardening and wish I could do more.

LEADER: Do you have a particular message for volunteers?

CYNTHIA: My message is: We value you and appreciate all that you do. You are vital to the continued success of the Movement. It's my hope that Girl Scout volunteers also achieve great fulfillment by working with Girl Scouts. We want to be a team in every sense of the word. We want to engage our volunteers in dialogue and in activities that make things better for them and the organization. Working together, we really can achieve anything.

Adapted from LEADER, Spring 2003. © Girl Scouts of the United States of America.