- Nicole Gladstone was named MAAC’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1. In her new role, Gladstone will oversee all operations and strategic initiatives of the MAAC Foundation, a nonprofit training campus for firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and K-9 units. Her appointment comes at a time of growth and opportunity for the organization, which continues to expand its offerings, partnerships, and impact throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond.
The MAAC is a public safety training campus, located in Valparaiso, Indiana, that includes a 4 Story (40-foot) search and rescue tower, 2 story live burn building, flashover unit, 2 story residential training structure, ventilation props, forcible entry props, drafting pond, vehicle extrication pad, one story multi-use structure, fire extinguisher and propane fire training areas, indoor apparatus training space and classrooms. All systems on campus are designed and manufactured to meet National Fire Protection Association requirements.
“I’m honored to join an organization with such a strong legacy and meaningful mission,” said Gladstone. “Being married to a first responder who graduated from the Volunteer Fire Academy at the MAAC, I’ve seen firsthand how vital this work is. I’m committed to building on the strong foundation here and advancing our work in support of first responders.”
Gladstone brings more than 20 years of experience leading teams, managing large budgets, and helping organizations grow and succeed. She holds a master’s degree in emergency management and has a strong track record of turning big-picture goals into real results. Over her career, she has led major projects, built strong partnerships, and ensured that every effort stays true to the organization’s mission while making a lasting impact. Most recently, she has served as the Publicity Superintendent for the Lake County Fair and Vice President of Operations and Strategy at Mixdesign, Inc in Hebron, Indiana.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nicole to lead the MAAC Foundation into its next chapter,” said William Maar, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her passion for our mission, strategic mindset, and proven leadership make her the ideal person to guide our organization forward.”
The MAAC Foundation, First Responder Training Campus is transforming the landscape of First Responder training across Northwest Indiana, the state, and the country. With a comprehensive, inclusive campus, they provide access for all First Responders – EMT personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and K9 officers – to train at their state-of-the-art facility at no cost.
The MAAC is a top provider of safety, emergency preparedness, and response training with more than 15 buildings, such as classroom space, residential structures, a live burn building, a flashover chamber, and a 4-story tower. Additionally, the facility boasts over 40 tactical props spread across 30+ acres. For more information about the MAAC Foundation and how to help make a safer community as a first responder or community member, visit www.maacfoundation.org to learn about their services or to volunteer.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
