Former Quinnipiac University counsel heads Girl Scouts of Connecticut 

Elicia Pegues Spearman, an attorney and longtime human resources executive who has shattered glass ceilings as a leader at some of the state’s top corporations, has become the new CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT). 

Outgoing CEO Diana Mahoney passed the torch to Pegues Spearman at the GSOFCT annual meeting on April 28.  

Over the course of her career, Spearman has successfully managed C-suite roles in many industries, including health care, manufacturing, defense and higher education, most recently as the first dual general counsel and vice president of human resources for Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. 

Previously, Spearman was the first person of color hired to the executive team at General Dynamics Electric Boat, where she served as vice president and chief human resources officer. She has had a distinguished law career in which she worked for state and federal organizations as well as Fortune 500 companies, including Aetna, Hubbell, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  

“Elicia’s experience with leadership training and development will be an asset to ensuring that the mission of the Girl Scouts remains at the forefront of leading the team and volunteers,” said Diana Mahoney, who had been CEO of GSOFCT since January 2021. “As a Brownie herself and mother to a former Girl Scout, Elicia is an exceptional role model who believes strongly in the importance of providing young girls and teenagers with the opportunities to learn and grow.” 

In 2022, Girl Scouts of Connecticut honored Spearman as a champion of girls and young women at the organization’s annual Breakfast Badge Awards. When accepting this honor, she said, “I’ve seen firsthand in my own mentees’ lives how much it means to give an encouraging word and challenge them to think bigger. I love being a champion for girls, helping them discover how big their goals could be. We should want to help the next generation do better than we’ve done, think critically and innovatively solve the problems of today. I love seeing people succeed.” 

Spearman mentors professionals and students and has dedicated a lifetime of community service to local and national organizations. 

Added Mahoney: “We are honored to have a leader who was raised in Connecticut and has deep ties to several like-minded organizations in which she has or currently serves in leadership roles or as an active member, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Board of Directors, The Links Inc., Jack & Jill of America and the Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church.” 

Spearman was recognized as one of the “2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America” by Savoy magazine. Additionally, she has received the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. First District; and the James W. Cooper Fellow designation from the Connecticut Bar Association. 

Spearman holds a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and political science from Wellesley College.  

“Girl Scouts is extremely fortunate to have this fearless female to guide the organization in the coming years,” said Mahoney. “It will be exciting to see new programs and initiatives unveiled under Elicia’s skillful leadership.”  

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