The OutCenter Southwest Michigan is looking for a new director.
Longtime OutCenter Director Mary Jo Schnell has ended her tenure at the organization, and Program Director Gerik Maverick has been named interim director.
Maverick tells us throughout Schnell’s more than ten years of leadership, the OutCenter grew from a single-staff organization to the region’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit. He says she came to the OutCenter at a time when it needed a steady hand and brought much to the table.
“Incredible knowledge about nonprofit operations, really great strategic thinking, passion, certainly, for the work that oftentimes requires it so much,” Maverick said. “We’re just really grateful for the ability to have her here for so long guiding this organization.”
Maverick says the leadership change comes at a time of broader transition at the OutCenter.
“We’re really focused on thinking outside the box, meeting this moment where we are, getting more engaged. Folks have been really enjoying us doing more online, getting more online educational content, doing more public town hall content, expanding outreach.”
Maverick says Schnell led the OutCenter during major moments in the LGBTQ+ movement, like the legalization of same sex marriage. Now he says the community is facing new struggles. As interim director, he plans to focus on outreach, online programming, and social media content, among other things.
OutCenter programs and events will continue as scheduled. The annual PrideFest in St. Joseph set for June 27. You can learn more at OutCenter.org.
