KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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
For more information about The Goddard School, please visit GoddardSchool.com.
ABOUT GODDARD SYSTEMS, INC.
Established in 1988, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School, is the acknowledged leader in the premium early childcare and education market segment. Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, GSI has been consistently named one of the top childcare franchises in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales) by Franchise Times. GSI currently licenses more than 550 Goddard School franchises that serve more than 70,000 students in 38 states. For more information, visit goddardschoolfranchise.com.
ABOUT THE GODDARD SCHOOL®
Learning for fun. Learning for life.®
Children learn best through experience. The Goddard School uses current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.
The distinctive structure positions Schools to support the needs of families and helps ensure that children are known and appreciated for their individual talents and personalities. The Goddard School’s F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) helps children explore and discover their interests in a safe, nurturing environment. And a team of acknowledged experts in various fields of early childhood education guides the course of study.
Additionally, this program has earned AdvancED Corporation Accreditation and Middle States Corporate Accreditation for creating policies, programs and standards that help franchised locations meet high standards in early learning, child development and childcare. The Goddard School serves more than 70,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 550 Goddard Schools in 38 states. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit GoddardSchool.com.
