Board of Directors

Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of women and men who believe in the value of Girl Scouting.

The Board of Directors is elected by Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont’s membership to ensure that the council:
Manages its affairs according to state and federal law, complies with Girl Scouts of the USA charter requirements and secures and allocates the resources needed to deliver the Girl Scout program throughout our jurisdiction.

2025-2026 Board of Directors Leadership

Trish Johnson

Board Chair

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Born and raised in Gastonia NC, the daughter of the late Willie and Annie Rhyne, Trish was educated in the Gaston County Schools. She is a graduate of Ashbrook High School and was active in Girl Scouts in Gastonia, participating as a Brownie Scout, Junior, and Cadet Scout in the 1960s and early 1970s. Trish has been a GSCP2P Board Member since 2018. Currently serving as a member of the Human Resources Committee and the By-Laws Review Committee and Board of Directors Vice-Chair. Dr. Patricia “Trish” Rhyne Johnson, retired as Associate Superintendent of the Caldwell County School district in June 2018 after 39 years of service. Recognizing that to whom much is given, much more is required, Dr. Johnson is an active member in her community. She has served as Superintendent of her church, Sunday School and is also a Sunday School Teacher. She is also an active member of the women’s ministry and Safe Sanctuary coordinator. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated for 45 years, she is a charter member of the Hickory Alumnae Chapter. Currently serving as the Regional Director of the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta, she is responsible for more than 12,000 members in 158 chapters in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and the Island of Bermuda. Trish is also a member of the Piedmont Chapter of The Links Incorporated, a Commissioner for the Hickory Public Housing Authority Board of Directors, and a Trustee on the Catawba Valley Community College Board of Directors. Dr. Johnson has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City North Carolina, a Masters of Arts Degree in Speech Pathology from South Carolina State University, Orangeburg South Carolina, Specialist in Education Degree from Appalachian State University and the Doctor of Education Degree from Appalachian State University, Boone North Carolina. She is married and the mother of two adult sons and a daughter-in-love.

Caryl Sinfield

Vice-Chair

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Caryl Sinfield, PMP, is an Associate Partner with EPI-USE America, Inc., an SAP implementation partner, specializing in US and Canadian payroll as well as project management. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science /Information Management from UNCA and an Associate's degree in Business Administration from BRCC. A Lifetime Girl Scout, Caryl has resided in Pleasant Garden, N.C. since 2013. During her adult tenure as a Girl Scout, Caryl resided in Transylvania County and served as a troop leader (Daisy through Senior) for 15 years and a council trainer for 16 years. She also served as Service Unit Manager and Trainfest Chair, volunteered on various other training committees and has served as a Delegate to the National Convention. She has been a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society since 2006. Caryl is a Past State President (2007-2008) of the North Carolina Federation of Business and Professional Women and has extensive non-profit Board of Directors experience, having chaired several committees and holding many elected officer positions at the state, district and local levels during her 35-year tenure. Although an avid crocheter and cross-stitcher, Caryl is well-known for being "craft-impaired and proud of it."

Brenda Newsome

Secretary

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Brenda Newsome, a resident of Liberty, has been a member of Girl Scouts for over 40 years and is a lifetime member. She has 2 daughters (both Gold Award Girl Scouts) and has three grandchildren. She works for United Health Care in Customer Service. Brenda is currently the Service Unit Specialist for Service Unit 146 (Randolph County), a member of the Gold Award Committee in the Triad area, a member of the Leaderee Committee, and a member of Tarheel Triad Trefoil Guild. During her years as a Girl Scout, Brenda earned her First Class as a girl and is a recipient of the Thanks II Badge. From her volunteer work with Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont, Brenda was also recognized with a NC Governor's Volunteer Service Award. Brenda was a National Delegate at Houston (2011) and Salt Lake City (2014.) She has had the opportunity to visit three of the five World Centers.

Jan Donahue

Treasurer

Meet Jan

Retired finance and marketing professional with diverse experience in financial services, technology, and education/training industries. Career employment at IBM, Omega Performance, and in banking and universities. Registered Girl Scout and lifetime member since 1955. Earned Curved Bar and was awarded the Gold Award in 2019. Valued leadership learned at Girl Scout Camp Chippewa Bay in northern Wisconsin where waterfront responsibilities were a passion. Served previously on a predecessor board of the GSCP2P and currently serves on the P2P Finance Committee. Enjoys working with troops on programs and badges. Volunteer commitments include Guilford County Animal Advisory Board, North Carolina Pet Partners board leader (therapy animal programs across communities), and church-elected positions. Undergraduate BSEd degree from Miami University (Ohio) and MBA, MSPE from University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Resides in Greensboro.

2025-2026 Board Members

2025-2026 Girl Board Members

Gayasha Abeykoon

Kaveesha Abeykoon

Additional Leadership Resources:

2024-2027 Strategic Plan