Goddard Systems, Inc. CEO Dennis R. Maple Appointed Chairman of the Board

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School, announced today that Chief Executive Officer Dennis R. Maple has been appointed to the additional position of Chairman of the Board. Maple has been a member of the GSI Board and Chief Executive Officer since September 3, 2019.

Goddard Systems, Inc. also announced that Joe Schumacher, who since his retirement as CEO in September 2019 has served as non-executive Chairman, has been named to the position of Chairman Emeritus.

“During a time of unprecedented change in the early childhood education industry, Dennis has demonstrated a steadfast ability to lead the Goddard System forward,” said Robert Strouse, President of Goddard’s parent, Wind River Holdings. “Combining the roles of Chairman and CEO will further enable Dennis to drive the efficient execution of our long-term strategic imperatives. Dennis’ leadership style, his vision and passion for early childhood education, and his focus on culture and process excellence uniquely positions him to serve as GSI’s new Chairman.”

Continued Strouse, “Wind River remains extremely grateful for Joe’s leadership and dedication to the beloved Goddard System. Joe joined GSI in 2007 as Chief Operating Officer, was named Chief Executive Officer in 2009 and then Chairman in 2019. A firm believer in the importance of a strong succession strategy, Joe personally recruited and has actively supported Dennis in his leadership role at GSI. We sincerely thank Joe for his contributions to Goddard’s record of success and for his continuing role as a GSI Board member.”

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Chairman position and I thank Wind River for the confidence they have in me,” said Maple. “I cannot thank Joe enough for his support and guidance as I transitioned into the CEO position and now as I take on the role of Chairman.”

These organizational changes take effect immediately.

Maple’s 39-year career includes executive leadership and general management experiences with well-known companies such as First Student, Aramark Education, The Quaker Oats Company, PepsiCo, Inc., Kraft General Foods, Inc., and Coors Brewing Company. In January of this year, Maple was elected to the International Franchise Association’s Board of Directors. Maple is also on the Descartes Systems Group board of directors, where he serves as a member of the Compensation Committee and as chairman of the Nominating Committee.