BOARD SLATE 2017
NEW MEMBERS AT-LARGE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathi Finch, principal of Finch Communication Solutions LLC, is a corporate trainer and communication skills
coach. She works with business and individual clients to address concerns like team building, conflict resolution,
emotional intelligence, business writing, and public speaking. Prior to launching her own business, Kathi worked
for 16 years in various program, marketing, and management roles in the non-profit community. Outside of work,
Kathi practices taekwondo and plans to earn her first degree black belt in December 2017. She also practices
yoga and enjoys acting in community theatre. She lives in the North Hills with her husband and first-year Brownie
daughter. Kathi has a bachelor’s degree in English and women’s studies from the Pennsylvania State University and
a master’s degree in theatre education from Emerson College. Term ending 2020.
RENEWING BOARD OFFICERS
Lois Kuttesch, Board Chair
Lois is employed at Franklin University as community college regional manager. Lois is a recipient of the
Outstanding Leader Award and has been an active member of Girl Scouting for more than 40 years. She has
bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and education from Grove City College and a master’s degree in human
resources management from LaRoche College. Term ending 2020.
Mary Beth Taylor, 1st Vice Chair
Mary Beth is the vice president transparency & compliance and general counsel for the International Seafood
Sustainability Foundation. She was previously employed for more than 28 years by United States Steel
Corporation, retiring as assistant general counsel—compliance. Mary Beth has a bachelor’s degree in journalism
and communications from Point Park University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh
School of Law. She resides in Ben Avon. Term ending 2020.
Dot Brookes, Treasurer
Dot is a recently retired chemical company executive with more than 30 years of experience in supply chain and
finance positions. As a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, she’s passionate about mentoring and providing opportunities
for girls and young women to reach their potential and to become tomorrow’s leaders. Since she’s newly retired, she’s
looking forward to spending more time with family, traveling and volunteering. Term ending 2020.
Victoria Kush, Secretary
Victoria is a renowned civil litigation attorney at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in Pittsburgh, litigating disputes
and driving successful outcomes for business entities throughout the Commonwealth and nation. She was
named the 2016 Woman of Distinction in Government & Law by Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. In addition,
she received a 2016 Pennsylvania Senate Citation, awarded by Senator Scott E. Hutchinson of the 21st Senatorial
District, recognizing her dedication, excellence and leadership in the legal profession, as well as her impact on
the community. Victoria frequently appears as a legal expert on NightTalk, Rush to Judgment and Pittsburgh
NOW on WPXI’s Pittsburgh Cable News Channel (PCNC). Currently, she serves as the secretary of the board
for Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, the vice president of the St. Thomas More Society, and on the board of
directors of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Outside of the courtroom, Victoria is a classically
trained soprano, and in 2004, Victoria won the title of Miss Pennsylvania, representing the Commonwealth in
the live telecast of Miss America. During her yearlong reign, she advocated for technology in education and
earned a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her work. Victoria graduated as valedictorian from Duquesne
University and earned her juris doctor from Florida International University College of Law. She has extensive
training in piano, violin, theatre, and dance and earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do karate. Her greatest joy is her
time shared with her husband and their two children, Xavier, 4, and Alexandra, 2. Term ending 2020.
RENEWING MEMBERS AT-LARGE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nicole H. King Yohe is employed as corporate secretary and staff attorney at EQT Corporation. She earned both
her bachelor’s degree in history and juris doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Nicole is a resident of
Zelienople in Butler County. Term ending 2020.
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Dana Pascarella is employed as treasury manager by WESCO in Pittsburgh and is a resident of Allegheny County.
Dana graduated from the College of William and Mary and is a strong supporter of the Girl Scouts mission and
vision. She has been an active member of the board of directors and plans to continue serving the organization for
another term. Term ending 2020.
GIRL ADVISORY PANEL
Jessica Smith is currently a sophomore in the North Allegheny School District in Pittsburgh. The Senior Girl Scout
from Troop 55090 completed her Bronze and Silver Awards and looks forward to starting the work on her Gold
Award this spring. While Jessica has not decided on a major to pursue in college, her favorite subjects in school are
sciences, math, and art. Her hobbies include reading and drawing, and she loves Camp Conshatawba. She is active
in North Allegheny’s Key Club and orchestra and works as a cashier in a local supermarket. Term ending 2019.
Katherine R. Stancil, 15, is a Senior Girl Scout with Troop 50099 in Gibsonia. She is currently in her 11th year of Girl
Scouting, having begun her Girl Scout journey as a Daisy in Kindergarten. Katherine earned both the Bronze and Silver
Awards. She plans on beginning work toward the Gold Award soon. In July 2016, Katherine was selected to join the first
all-Girl Scout crew with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in the Shenandoah National Park. This conservation
Destinations trip launched a new partnership between GSUSA and the SCA designed to expand and improve outdoor
opportunities for girls and included two weeks of tent camping, repairing hiking trails, restoring habitats, and exploring
careers with the National Park Service. Katherine enjoys being a member of GSWPA’s Media Team. She has participated
in newspaper, television and radio interviews about Girl Scouts with the Beaver County Times, KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today
Live, Comcast Newsmakers, and the Saturday Light Brigade. She also served as a delegate for the Chartiers Creek
Service Unit to GSWPA’s Annual Meeting in 2016. Katherine is a sophomore at Pine-Richland High School. She is a
member of the Pine-Richland Marching Band and a two-year letterman on the tennis team. Term ending 2019.
BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Sarah A. Shaffer, CPA MBA is the Rates Director for EQT Corporation. Sarah served as the board development
committee chair, audit committee chair and on the finance committee of the board of directors for Girl Scouts
Western Pennsylvania, on the board and finance committee for Trillium Council and on the council realignment
finance subcommittee. She is a troop leader for her daughter’s Daisy troop. Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in
accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from the Pennsylvania State University. She is a resident
of Kennedy Township. Term ending 2020.
Kriss Svidro earned her bachelor’s degree in geology and theater from Slippery Rock University. She is retired from
teaching in high schools and community colleges in four states and also several non-profits. Kriss spends her free
time with Girl Scouts and doing needlework art for family, friends, and charity. She was the recipient of GSWPA’s
first Volunteer of the Year Award and has been a lifetime Girl Scout for more than 35 years. Kriss is a resident of
South Strabane Township. Term ending 2020.
NATIONAL DELEGATE
SLATE 2017
(ALL TERMS LAST 3 YEARS)
ADULT DELEGATES
Krystal Boburchock has been a Girl Scout troop leader for 10 years. She’s also served as service unit manager, service unit MagNut
manager, service unit cookie manager and cookie cupboard manager. Krystal is an active day camp volunteer, outdoor skills trainer
and archery instructor. She has been presented with the Volunteer Appreciation Pin and Volunteer of Excellence Award. In addition
to Girl Scouts, Krystal volunteers with Somerset County Habitat for Humanity and Somerset County Mobile Food Bank. She served
as a delegate for the 2015 Girl Scouts’ National Convention in Salt Lake City. Girl Scouting is a big part of her life, and she loves
seeing the girls evolve and continue to learn new skills.
Dot Brookes is a recently retired chemical company executive with more than 30 years experience in supply chain and finance
positions. As a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, she’s passionate about mentoring and providing opportunities for girls and young
women to reach their potential and to become tomorrow’s leaders. Since she’s newly retired, she’s looking forward to spending
more time with family, traveling, and volunteering.
Laurie Cybulski is an adult educator at Goodwill SWPA. She has been the leader of Troop 54442 in Pittsburgh for nine years and
spent six years serving as the MagNut manager for her service unit. She founded Service Unit 5502’s summer camp with the
goal of getting urban Girl Scouts into the outdoors. During three years of this camp, roughly 125 girls from the East Pittsburgh area
attended. She is certified in archery, canoeing and backpacking.
Lois Kuttesch is employed at Franklin University as community college regional manager. Lois is a recipient of the Outstanding Leader
Award and has been an active member of Girl Scouting for more than 40 years. She has bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and
education from Grove City College and a master’s degree in human resources management from LaRoche College.
Dana Mayton works as a land assistant and has been her daughter’s troop leader for eight years. She has held the positions of
MagNut manager and cookie manager in her service unit in the past and currently serves as the finance manager. She has enjoyed
being a leader to her girls in the troop, and enjoyed watching them grow. She will continue leading them until they graduate.
Claudia Reed is a registered lifetime Girl Scout and earned “First Class,” one of the names of the highest award in Girl Scouting,
which is called the Gold Award today. Claudia is an active volunteer with the Catholic Committee on Scouting for AltoonaJohnstown Diocese, and Region 3, which covers all of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She resides in Cresson with her husband and
two children (an Eagle Scout and Gold Award recipient).
Michelle Roun is a teacher, a wife, mother, and troop leader with six years in Girl Scouting. She enjoys being a Girl Scout troop leader
of her daughter’s troop of 24 girls. She believes that the values and traditions of being a Girl Scout are so important to our girls.
Andrea Shissler was a Girl Scout for nine years and has been a volunteer for 10 years. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom
for her 5-year-old son with special needs, she served on the board of the Pennsylvania Public Health Association (PPHA) as
communications manager. She is currently an assistant service unit manager for the Central Westmoreland Service Unit and a new
leader trainer.
Pamela Siergiej has been married for 35 years and has three grown daughters, all of whom were Girl Scouts. She is employed
full time outside of the home for the Catholic Church. Pamela has had leadership roles in three Girl Scout councils during the
past 27 years. She began her journey as an assistant Brownie troop leader in 1990, adding roles as the years added up. In 1996,
she became a lifetime member, which was a gift from her mother. As is the case for many Girl Scout volunteers, Pamela has
worn many hats, including the honor of serving as a national delegate in 2005, 2008 and 2011. “I believe in the principles of
Girl Scouting,” she said. “The Girl Scout Law is the basis of what we hope every Girl Scout embodies and aspires to: courage,
confidence and character. I believe it also promotes compassion as girls develop various Take Action projects.” While working
with the girls on the troop level is her first passion, Pamela hopes to remain involved in the Girl Scout movement in some capacity
as long as she is able to do so. “I would find it a privilege and honor to once again be able to represent my local council at the 54th
National Council Session,” she added.
Roxanne Tuinstra is a freelance writer with three years in Girl Scouting. A mostly lifelong western Pennsylvania resident, Roxanne
is the mother of three inquisitive children, a Boy Scout and two Girl Scouts. Roxanne has grown her troop to 15 Cadette girls
through recruitment and retention efforts. Her biggest priority is giving flexibility to members of her troop, so that they are not
caught choosing between activities like sports and theater, their friends, and Girl Scouting. Through her recruitment with her
current girls, they have in turn brought in their own friends and together share in their love of Girl Scouting. Additionally, Roxanne
started Campology, a camp focused on STEAM activities for girls in her service unit with a primary focus of women in their field
of expertise in the region. With the support and help of her service unit, the camp is in its second year and continues to grow and
impact girls on the importance of sciences and art in the world today.
GIRL DELEGATES
Chianne Boburchock is a ninth grade student at Somerset High School. She has been a Girl Scout since she was a Daisy. Chianne
is a member of Troop 40342 and Conshatawba’s Outdoor Club. She volunteers as a program aide during day camp and has worked
with younger Girl Scouts for several years teaching the Girl Scout Way and passing on her skills and education. She’s a member of
her school’s band, chorus, theater, and marching band. Chianne was selected for county band and county chorus. “I am looking
forward to meeting new Girl Scouts and representing my council as a delegate,” she said. Chianne also volunteers with Somerset
County Habitat for Humanity and Somerset County Mobile Food Bank. “Giving back is a big part of my life along with enjoying the
outdoors,” she added.
Alyssa Findley is an 11th grade student at Peters Township High School in Washington County. “I am very committed to Girl Scouts
and wish to encourage the younger girls to have the same commitment,” she said. This process is already underway, as Alyssa
has worked hard with her troop to plan and lead events for younger Girl Scouts over the last couple of years. As evidence of
her commitment, she earned a Bronze Award by sharing her love of horses with her peers, and the Silver Award by sharing the
importance of long-term Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting with elementary school children. Alyssa is beginning to work on her
Gold Award project, which will be a two-part pamphlet describing the effects and symptoms of teenage depression and how
those around them can offer support. “I want to create a better future for the children of tomorrow by inspiring them to have the
courage to speak out for themselves and others,” she said. During her downtime, Alyssa participates in youth community theater
and maintains high school honor roll.
Cheyenne Rhone is a 10th grade student at West Mifflin High School where she plays the trumpet in the Titan Marching & Concert
Band, studies German, and enjoys piano and poetry. She’s also the founder and CEO of small business called “Hopes for the Best.”
Over the past 10 years in Girl Scouting, she has earned many badges and patches, program aide certification, Bronze Award, and
Silver Award. Some of her favorite Girl Scout memories are making Tagalong ice cream milkshakes at a cookie rally, camping at
Camp Yough, hiking through Brownie Falls, singing Girl Scout songs and telling stories around a campfire with friends while eating
s’mores. She traveled to Switzerland and Italy with her travel troop in the summer of 2015 and can’t wait to explore all the cities on
her upcoming trips to Costa Rica and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in the of summer 2017 to make new memories.
ADULT ALTERNATES
Christina Kline is a service unit MagNut manager, a troop leader for Daisies and Brownies and also is a volunteer with her
daughter’s troop. She also acts as co-director for the service unit day camp. She wants to continue to find ways to keep girls
engaged and to help them connect to high adventure and tech activities. She wants to see the movement continue to grow and
strengthen for years to come.
Debra Ridgway is an office manager and has had 19 years in Girl Scouting. She never got to be a Girl Scout due to family issues,
but joined when her daughter joined and has been involved ever since. She enjoys seeing the girls try to do new things. Sometimes
they accomplish what they set out to do, while other times they fail. But all the time, they enjoy trying. She wants to see Girl
Scouting go on for years.
GIRL ALTERNATES
Alina Mayton loves to help others and lead other girls to do great things. “I’ve committed to the Girl Scouts because I’ve made so
many friends and done so many things that it is worth the years I’ve been in the program,” she said. “If I never joined Girl Scouts, I’d
be a completely different person and would never have met so many wonderful people.”
Megan Shissler has 10 years in Girl Scouting and is currently in ninth grade. In fall 2016, she earned her Girl Scout Silver Award for
her group project with Becky Handke entitled “Welcome to Delmont,” which involved refreshing the borough’s website and reaching
out to local businesses. Currently, she is a third-year marching band student in the Greensburg Salem High School Marching Band.
She also takes private flute lessons at Seton Hill University. She has been playing the flute since fourth grade.