For more than 20 years, Director of Nutrition Services Michael Maaske has been a steady presence for Sylvan Union School District, where his dedication to ensuring every child receives a healthy and nutritious meal has transformed the way students and their families are supported.

ACSA’s 2025 Classified Leader of the Year has built a nutrition program that does more than meet state standards. He has introduced innovative practices such as department-wide professional learning communities; kitchen upgrades to improve efficiency; and partnerships with students, including a new department logo designed by middle school artists. His programs extend outside school sites, with weekly food box deliveries for families facing food insecurity and engaging initiatives like school farmer’s markets that introduce students to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Maaske has also focused on his own staff’s professional development — he has encouraged them to pursue college-level courses in cooking, nutrition, finance and budgeting. Maaske himself said his career in food service began in middle school, when he managed the student store. From there, he worked his way up as a bookkeeper and warehouse coordinator before becoming director of nutrition services in 2002.

“When staff reported that students who didn’t have snacks were arriving to school late, Mike worked with his team to find solutions,” said Sylvan USD Superintendent Diolinda Peterson. “When hearing of food scarcity and hunger issues in our community, Mike and his team created a food box program, delivering a weekly supply of food for our families and neighbors in our community.”

What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership? Two books that have shaped my leadership are “The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni and “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. Lencioni emphasizes that organizational health is the most significant competitive advantage, while Brown reminds us that “clear is kind, unclear is unkind.” Together, these messages reinforce the importance of trust, courageous conversations, and clarity in leadership. These principles guide my team and sustain a positive workplace culture.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The most meaningful advice I’ve received is to listen first, with empathy and an open heart. Trust begins when people feel seen and heard, and that only happens when you genuinely care about what they have to say. Leading with the heart means showing up fully, especially during the hard conversations, and being willing to sit with discomfort. Brené Brown’s work reminded me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a courageous strength. By creating space for honest dialogue, we build relationships that sustain a healthy, resilient team. I’ve learned that when staff know they’re heard and valued, they respond with deeper trust, stronger purpose, and a shared commitment to something bigger than themselves.

What’s your best strategy for work-life balance? Balance has always come from clarity and trust. When you’ve nurtured an environment where people feel safe, supported, and empowered, it becomes possible to step away and recharge.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? People might be surprised to know that I’m a dedicated “Star Wars” fan and a lifelong LEGO builder. These hobbies remind me of the importance of imagination, patience, and creativity — traits that often translate into my leadership style. It sparks great conversations and reminds me to stay grounded in what brings me joy. I find [building LEGOs] therapeutic and creatively fulfilling. Despite being in a leadership position, I’m naturally introverted, and these personal interests give me balance, perspective, and a fun way to connect with others, especially students and staff who share the same passions.

What made you want to become a school administrator? I saw leadership as a way to create a supportive culture where people feel valued and students are well-served. Nutrition Services touches every student, every day. As a school administrator, I was able to foster a workplace where team members are empowered to make an impact and where students experience care, dignity, and nourishment. Leadership allowed me to extend that impact beyond the cafeteria and into the district’s culture.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are? One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced was leading our department through the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty, fear, and logistical hurdles were immense, but the emotional toll was even greater. Several of our team members lost loved ones, and part of my role became simply being there, listening, grieving with them, and offering flexibility and support in any way I could. At the same time, we knew families in our community were struggling, so we mobilized quickly to provide weekly food boxes. Distributing those boxes wasn’t just about meeting basic needs; it was about showing our community that we were still here, that we cared, and that they weren’t alone. That period reminded me that leadership is most powerful when it’s rooted in compassion and connection. We got through it by leaning on each other, and I’ll always be proud of how our team responded with heart and resilience.

What is your proudest accomplishment? I’m most proud of building a work culture where people feel empowered, respected, and part of something meaningful. We’ve improved services, expanded access to meals, and built a department that values equity, teamwork, and care. More than anything, I’m proud that my staff feel seen, not just for what they do, but for who they are. That sense of belonging has made all the difference in the lives of our team and the students we serve.

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? ACSA has been a vital resource throughout my career. Its mission to develop and empower educational leaders aligns with my belief that leadership is about service and growth. ACSA provides timely guidance, vigorous advocacy, and a supportive professional network that helps me stay focused on student well-being and staff development. It’s reassuring to know that, as leaders, we’re not navigating the challenges of public education alone; we’re part of a community committed to doing what’s right.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Lead Loudly: Sharing Stories, Building Bridges.” What does Leading Loudly mean to you? Leading Loudly means being unapologetically authentic. It’s about standing in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable, and creating space for others to do the same. As Brené Brown puts it, “Who we are is how we lead.” Sharing our stories isn’t just about being heard; it’s about building bridges of understanding, trust, and compassion. In my role, Leading Loudly means using my voice to elevate the essential role of school nutrition and ensure every student feels valued, supported, and cared for.