OutCenter Announces Leadership Transitions: Longtime Executive Director MaryJo Schnell Concludes Tenure, Program Director Gerik Maverick Named Interim Executive Director
OutCenter Southwest Michigan today announced that Executive Director MaryJo Schnell has concluded her tenure with the organization after more than a decade of service. Program Director Gerik Maverick has been named by the Board of Directors as Interim Executive Director. The OutCenter Board is grateful to MaryJo for her contributions during a pivotal chapter in the organization’s history and remains focused on our meaningful work ahead.
During Schnell’s leadership, OutCenter grew from a single-staff organization to the region’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit. It tripled annual fundraising and built partnerships with over 70 businesses, government agencies, and schools across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
OutCenter's programs reflect that decade of investment. The LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Collaborative has advanced hundreds of inclusive policies across school districts. Further, the LGBTQ+ Competent Healthcare and Patient Safety Project has reached over 1,000 people with equity-focused healthcare education. OutCenter’s annual PrideFest, now in its fifth year, draws thousands of attendees and has expanded to multiple cities, establishing celebrations that did not exist before OutCenter did its work.
The Board of Directors is pleased that OutCenter’s next chapter begins with continuity. Gerik Maverick joined OutCenter in 2021 and has served as the organizational engine behind OutCenter’s programming, community presence, and public advocacy. Maverick is a Southwest Michigan native with over eight years of nonprofit experience, a deep connection to OutCenter’s mission, and a track record of showing up for community when it counts.
Maverick’s appointment reflects the Board's commitment to forward-focused, mission-driven leadership during this transition. “I am incredibly grateful to MJ for her stalwart leadership and her endless passion," said Maverick. "I'm also deeply grateful for the trust that the OutCenter board has shown by naming me Interim Executive Director.”
Maverick continued, “OutCenter will build on our past successes, while expanding to meet the moment that we are in. This is an exciting time for us to celebrate all that we have accomplished, assess developing needs and opportunities, and look forward towards the next 20 years of OutCenter.”
OutCenter’s programs continue, and are slated for expansion.
Pride Events: Hosting and organizing a variety of Pride Month events across Southwest Michigan under the Harbor Country Pride and PrideFest banners. More information: outcenter.org/pride
Town Halls: Important conversations on a diverse array of topics with experts and advocates.
GSA Clubs: Creating and supporting accessible spaces for LGBTQ+ young people.
Online Communication: Utilizing online platforms to deliver factual, high-impact information.
Contact us today to learn how you can support LGBTQ people and their families across Southwest Michigan, and help build thriving and inclusive local communities. To support our work, visit our website at outcenter.org/donate.