Cynthia H. Breunig Recognized

The Academy for Grassroots Organizations honored Cynthia H. Breunig, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio, with its 2014 Academy Award for Non-profit Excellence as Executive Director of the Year at its annual luncheon on Friday, Oct. 3. Held at the Spring Valley Lakes Country Club, guests included many of the Academy’s Leadership Circle members, elected officials and representatives from throughout San Bernardino County, along with dozens of staff members and volunteers from scores of non-profit agencies that are members of the Academy. Ms. Breunig was recognized following an informative and entertaining keynote address by Jonathan Weedman, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Foundation. The award citation described her accomplishments helping Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council grow its membership, strengthen its financial condition and embrace a strategy of diversity and inclusiveness. It read in part, “[She] infused the entire organization with an excitement and sense of purpose—to help girls achieve the lives of their dreams.” Prior to joining Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio in August, 2011, Ms. Breunig served for 13 years as President and CEO of Inner-City Arts, a non-profit center providing art instruction to 10,000 children in the heart of Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Breunig enjoyed a 25-year career in museum management, opening what is today the Autry National Center in 1988. She serves on the board of the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, is an Annenberg Alchemy Community Champion, and was recently named an Academy Fellow for the City Scholars® Leadership Academy. Breunig received a Bachelor’s in Art History, holds advanced degrees in Museum Studies and Education Administration, and attended Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio builds girls of courage, character and confidence by helping them learn by doing and acquire the skills they need to become leaders in their families, communities and workplaces. With over 12,000 girls and 4,200 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio plays a vital role in sustaining healthy communities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The Academy for Grassroots Organizations improves the quality of life in the high desert region of San Bernardino County by supporting and strengthening the social service sector. Founded in 2000, over 1,600 unduplicated clients have benefitted from its training programs. Nearly 300 nonprofit agencies are currently members of the Academy. Later this month Erika Riddle, Fundraising Specialist with Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio, will join her 27 classmates and graduate from the Fundraising Academy for Grassroots Organizations Class of 2014.