United Way of Greater Toledo (UWGT) and its office in Ottawa County is has announced its new area director is Stacy Maple, who will oversee the fiscal development and community engagement strategies for United Way in Ottawa County (UWOC).

Maple will replace the retiring Chris Galvin, who served as Ottawa County Director of United Way for 25 years. Galvin will continue on the board of the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership – formerly WSOS – and a new post on the Portage Township Zoning Commission.

Maple previously served as executive director and chef at the five-star rated restaurant “Bistro 163,” a pay-it-forward eatery focused on feeding every patron, no matter their economic status or ability to purchase their meal at its suggested price. Bistro 163 was named “Best Nonprofit” in Ottawa County in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“Having worked with Stacy over the past several years, I have been truly impressed with her collaborative nature and creativity in addressing community problems,” said Ed Carlson, UWOC advisory board chair.

“I believe she is the perfect individual to lead United Way in Ottawa County as we work with partners and community entities to improve the lives of our county’s residents,” Carlson said.

Maple is a graduate of Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, Ga. She is also an active member of the Emergency Food Shelter Board, Friends of Ottawa County Parks, American Culinary Federation, Slow Food USA and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

“Stacy brings years of business operational and fundraising knowledge, as well as community engagement and management skills to United Way,” said Wendy Pestrue, president & CEO of UWGT.

“We are very proud to have this notable member of the Ottawa County community join our team, so we can continue serving those in need,” said Pestrue.

Maple will be formally joining UWOC in the coming months. She will maintain her connection to Bistro 163 as a board member and culinary consultant and plans to continue her “Maple in the Morning” show on WPCR and WPIB digital radio.