Scott Maxson named executive director of Operation Support Our Troops-America
Naperville-based nonprofit Operation Support Our Troops-America announces Scott Maxson as executive director, effective April 1, 2020. He previously served on the board of directors in 2018 and 2019. His background showcases a range of experience and skills, from program management, physical security and risk management, learning and development, various leadership roles and organization and planning. He served as chair of the veterans related employee resource group at his last company and has received multiple awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He is an Army veteran having served as an armor crewman, company armorer and was an honor graduate of the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense School while based at Fort Benning, Georgia.
His corporate and military experience will translate into a deep level of understanding to lead an organization that supports military members, veterans, and their families.
"I am thrilled to continue supporting this patriotic grass-roots organization. As we head into our 18th year of operations, we face unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we have temporarily closed our office and warehouse, we need donations and help from the community to continue to support our troops through comfort and care, veterans through our assistance programs and support the Families of the Fallen, " Maxson said. "The financial support needed did not stop during this crisis and we are doing all we can remotely to continue assisting our active duty military, veterans and their families. I promise to bring my passion every day as the executive director."
Maxson holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from DePaul University, Chicago and an MBA from the University of Illinois-Chicago.
The board of directors is excited to have Maxson as executive director and his leadership as the nonprofit continues providing comfort and care to military families at home and away.
Maxson can be reached at smaxson@osotamerica.org or (630) 971-1150. He will lead the organization through their biggest fundraiser of the year, "Over the Edge," which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12. Participants can raise funds now to support troops and then get the chance to rappel down the side of Hotel Arista in Naperville. For more information about this event and how to participate: fundrazr.com/OSOT-America-2020.
OSOT-America has developed multiple programs to support active duty military, veterans, and their families, including:
• Veterans Assistance Program which provides stopgap measure funding to veterans and their families in need who are experiencing financial crisis.
• Leap of Faith Program which helps support Families of the Fallen through a three-day grief healing collaboration seminar "Leap of Faith" with the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team or the All Veteran Parachute Team which provides a growth experience based around a tandem sky-dive.
• Comfort and Care Package Program for deployed troops serving in harm's way. In 2019 OSOT-America hit a milestone by shipping their 2 millionth pound to deployed troops since inception 18 years ago. The program continues to support active-duty military that are deployed in over 70% of the nations in the world.
• G.I. Yoga Program teaches stress relief methods and tools to manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury to veterans and their family members by using the practice of yoga. All classes are taught by certified yoga instructors. Free to veterans and their families. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic classes are being taught online on the G.I. Yoga YouTube channel.
Visit www.osotAmerica.org to donate and for more information.
OSOT-America began at the dining room table of founders Bill and Deb Rickert who wanted to support troops with needed supplies while serving their country and has grown into a top rated nonprofit charity with a four star rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), Great Non-Profits (www.greatnonprofits.org), a Platinum Award from Guidestar (www.guidestar.org) and the Best of 630 award from Chamber 630 for the most inspirational nonprofit organization.
Its mission is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to all involved both while deployed and the soldier's return. As a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, OSOT-America provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops. Engaged in the longest war of our country's history, and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, OSOT-America is committed to showing them that "We Have NOT Forgotten."
Volunteer opportunities are available and to donate, please call (630) 971-1150 for more information.