Geri Lynn Strobbe Maples

About Geri Lynn Strobbe Maples

Dr. Geri Lynn Maples is a professor at Miami University and a dedicated leader in the…

Experience

1. Executive Director - Dayton & Southwestern, Ohio

   Blue Star Families

   Feb 2020 — Present

   As the Executive Director, I am responsible for engaging with local supporters of military and veteran family members, creating and managing community partnerships, harnessing volunteer support, and fundraising to ensure financial sustainability for our chapter. My primary focus is building strong relationships with key community leaders to create a welcoming environment for military families and increase awareness of the unique challenges of military life.In this role, I work to ensure the long-term financial viability of our chapter. I provide event coordination and delivery of branded Blue Star Families programs, design creative initiatives for follow-up events, and identify partnership opportunities. I also provide local stories to demonstrate impact and track local metrics, cultivate relationships with local partners and donors, and maximize local collaborations with key private, public, and philanthropic organizations.Additionally, I implement strategies to convene key leaders as part of the local Blue Star Families Advisory Council, educate key community leaders using Blue Star Families’ Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey, and seek opportunities to connect military families with the resources and programs offered by community organizations and partners. I leverage social media assets to grow our membership and improve participation, engagement, and training with the local community and military members. I create a strategic calendar that supports Blue Star Families\' presence in community events, recruit, retain, and develop lead volunteers for chapter support, and attend key installation and community meetings.Working closely with the National Chapter Development Manager, I continue Chapter growth and engagement, metrics achievement, volunteer management, and event execution. As the Executive Director, I am committed to ensuring the success and sustainability of Blue Star Families of Dayton & Southwestern Ohio.

Education

• Liberty University

  Master's Degree, Human Services, General

  2014 — 2014

• Miami University

  Bachelor's of Intergrative Studies, Applied Sociology & Family, Gender, and Society

  2009 — 2012

• Rock Falls Township High School

  High School Diploma, General Office Occupations and Clerical Services

  1985 — 1989

• Union Institute & University

  Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Educational Studies, Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

  2015 — 2019