thayer

Expertise
Leadership development, wellness, keynote speaker, executive coach

Experience
Maureen spent 28 years in the U.S. Army, where she held various staff and leadership positions, as well as flying UH-1 helicopters in the continental United States and Europe. Most noteworthy was her assignment as the Professor and Head of the Department of Physical Education from 1997 until her retirement in 2004. Her position carried the unique title “Master of the Sword.”She was the first woman to chair a department at the U.S. Military Academy since it was founded in 1802. Upon her retirement, Maureen was advanced to the rank of Brigadier General. Maureen served as the Executive Director of the Feagin Leadership Program at Duke Sports Medicine, and currently serves as the Chair of the USO of North Carolina. 

Scholarly Work/Publications/Awards
Maureen’s research interests focus on leadership as well as fitness and wellness. She served as co-editor of Fit & Active: The West Point Physical Development Program and authored the article "Developing a Philosophy of Leadership," published in Military Review. Awards include the Mary Ella Lund Soule Award for outstanding performance in graduate studies in the Department of Sports Studies at the University of Georgia, the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal, and induction into the Hall of Fame at St. Bonaventure University Reserve Officer Training Corps and the Academic Wall of Fame at Olean Senior High School. In 2016, she was selected as the University of Georgia Department of Kinesiology Distinguished Alumnus and inducted into the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps National Hall of Fame. Maureen published the book "Developing Your Philosophy of Living & Leading: One Moment at a Time" and received an honorary Doctorate in Pedagogy from St. Bonaventure University. She was honored in 2024 with induction into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame, which recognizes women soldiers whose service reflects extraordinary contributions, dedication, valor, and patriotism and has had a direct and exceptional impact on Army women and the United States. 

Education
EdD, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
MEd, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
ED, Strategic Leadership, U. S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA
ED, Management & Leadership, U. S. Army Command & General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS
BS, Education, St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY

Organizations
Chair, USO of North Carolina (2018-2020)
Vice Chair, USO of North Carolina (2014-2018)
Trustee, St. Bonaventure University (2001-2010)
Army Education Advisory Committee Consultant
Assistant Chair, Defense Advisory Committee for Women in the Services (DACOWITS)