Lori Pepenella will join the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Monday, February 15, as Director of Community Development. In this new position, Pepenella will oversee Girl Scout special events in Monmouth and Ocean counties, including the Women of Distinction and Community Partners Gala; the Girl Scout Golf Classic, and Dancing with Our Monmouth and Ocean County Stars. She will also work closely with community partners to maximize sponsorship opportunities and grants. In addition, Pepenella will promote the importance of women in business-leadership positions while increasing awareness of the Girl Scout mission to help girls become women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
Pepenella joins the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore from the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. In her position as Destination Marketing and Communications Director, she increased area tourism by working with businesses and non-profits to establish projects to promote economic development in the region.
For many years prior to her new position, Pepenella worked closely with Girl Scouts. She spent many years as a community volunteer assisting countless girls with their Girl Scout experiences. Two were her daughters, Jessica and Kim. Both earned their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, the highest awards in Girl Scouts. After high school graduation, each daughter joined Girl Scouts as a lifetime member; both are also involved with the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s Alumnae Committee. In addition, Pepenella’s husband Michael is a member of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s Man Enough to be a Girl Scout campaign.
Pepenella will continue to fill several volunteer roles in Ocean County, including her position as Commissioner for Ocean County Culture and Heritage; executive member of the Ocean County Tourism and Business Advisory Board, and honorary commander for Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. Pepenella was also the first woman in New Jersey to receive designation as a Certified Destination Management Executive from Purdue University.
Submitted by Samantha Rice
Toms River