Judy Nagel | Community Champion
Judy's Full Biography
Unlike most girls who started Girl Scouts as a youth, for me, Girl Scouts began as an adult. Growing up in rural Iowa, I was a member of 4-H. Through that experience, I understood the importance of youth development. In my early 30’s I was asked to join the board of the Lac Baie Council, probably because the nominating committee was looking for someone with skills in finance. As a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch, I qualified. First, I chaired the Finance Committee and later became the board Chair. During that time, we completed a capital campaign for one million dollars to build a program center.
What I learned from the Girl Scout board training has served me well. Over the years I have served on fourteen boards and served as President on ten of those boards. The responsibilities have ranged from setting policy for art museums, botanical gardens, theater restoration, state board of curators, and the corporate board of two hospitals. The hospital board involved approval of multi-million-dollar expenditures, physician credentialing, contract approvals, and hiring a CEO.
Each board had its own unique learning curve, but the Girl Scout experience, which clearly defined the importance of separating the policy function of the board from the operating function of the staff, has been a critical reason why I’ve been sought out to serve on and lead boards.
Girls’ leadership development is why I continue with Girl Scouts. For this reason, I’ve established a bequest in my will that will fund an endowment to finance a scholarship for girls who earn the gold award. The criteria equally weigh academic achievement with financial need and community service.
Girl Scout Alum Questionnaire
1. Years: 1984 to present (38 years)
2. Camp name: I don’t have a camp name, but if I could choose one it would be: Woodland Adventure
3. Favorite Badge: Thanks Badge
4. Girl Scout Leader: Jean Tremel for her dedication to over 400 girls. She combined the girl’s leadership development with adventure. Her youthful spirit was imbedded in them through her example.
5. Free summer afternoon: Working in the garden. On my property I’ve planted 80 trees more than 100 shrubs and even more perennials. Hey need constant tending but I’m rewarded by their colorful and scented blooms from Spring through Fall
6. Favorite comfort treat: Culver’s strawberry sundae
7. Beverage of choice: Green Tea
8. Woman in the public eye: Nora O’Donnell, a television journalist, she is well informed and adventurous. I believe Nora O’Donnell was a Girl Scout
9. Favorite Colors: red, black, mustard yellow
10. Can’t live without: My soft plush robe… the best way to start the day
11. Favorite cookie: Thin Mints…blend a few with ice cream and they make a great mint malt
