Nicole Gladstone is a high-energy, mission-driven leader who has spent more than 20 years championing public safety, building strong community partnerships, and pushing organizations to achieve big, bold goals. As President & CEO of the MAAC Foundation, Nicole brings passion, strategy, and plenty of heart as she guides the Foundation’s vision, operations, and community programs that support world-class training for first responders.

With a Master’s degree in Emergency Management and a specialty in crisis communication, Nicole has built a career blending innovation, collaboration, and the ability to turn big ideas into real, measurable impact. She’s known for her “let’s get it done” spirit, leading high-performing teams, managing multimillion-dollar initiatives, and strengthening community resilience through thoughtful planning and action.

Her leadership journey has taken her through government, public safety, tourism, healthcare, and the private sector. She has held major roles including Vice President and Chief Communication Officer for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Vice President of Operations and Strategy at Mixdesign, and Public Information Officer for Brevard County. Whether she’s navigating a crisis, building a new program, or coordinating large-scale events, Nicole is recognized for bringing clarity, creativity, and calm to complex challenges.

Nicole’s superpower is people. She excels in building strong partnerships, uniting diverse stakeholders, and creating community-driven initiatives that have earned national media attention and made a lasting regional impact. Her work spans nonprofit governance, emergency management, public relations, strategic communications, grant development, and organizational growth.

Beyond her professional work, Nicole is a dedicated community advocate (and multi-tasking extraordinaire). She proudly serves as National Chairman of Heroes Helping Heroes and President of the Hebron Elementary PTO, and she remains an active volunteer with organizations such as PRSA, Tri Kappa, Second Wind Dreams, Habitat for Humanity, and public safety efforts including the Hebron Fire Department Auxiliary and Operation Charlie Bravo.

Nicole’s love for public safety is also woven into her home life. She is married to her husband Peter, a Marine veteran, teacher, and volunteer firefighter. Together they’re raising three amazing kids: Oliver, Josie, and Piper, who keep life lively, loud, and full of meaning.

Driven, collaborative, and endlessly passionate about serving others, Nicole continues to lead the MAAC Foundation forward as a place where community, innovation, and first responder excellence come together.