KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL), the manager of The Goddard School franchise system, has announced the retirement of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dennis R. Maple, effective March 31, 2025. Maple will be succeeded by Darin Harris, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in franchising and early childhood education.
During his five-and-a-half-year tenure, Maple oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation for the company. Under his leadership, Goddard navigated the challenges of COVID-19, introduced its innovative Wonder of Learning curriculum, and nearly doubled systemwide revenue. Reflecting on his time with the organization, Maple stated, “The past five and a half years have been a period of meaningful change and great success for Goddard, and we have provided the foundation to support future growth. I am immensely proud of what the Goddard team has accomplished, working together with franchisees. This is a very special franchise system with a wonderful mission.”
Succeeding Maple, Harris brings over 20 years of leadership experience in multi-unit franchised businesses, including his most recent role as CEO of Jack in the Box. While at the helm, Harris revitalized the restaurant franchise, accelerated growth, and improved franchisee satisfaction. He has also previously served as the CEO of two other multi-unit companies and as COO of a business in the early childhood education sector. “Goddard is such an incredible brand with a fantastic reputation in the category,” Harris expressed. “I am deeply honored to be a part of Goddard’s future as we serve even more families and children and create opportunities for our people and our franchise partners.”
Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners, Goddard Systems’ private equity owner, praised Maple’s contributions and expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to lead the company into its next chapter. “Dennis and the team have accomplished a great deal, including guiding the company through COVID, introducing Goddard’s innovative Wonder of Learning curriculum, and driving a nearly 2x increase in systemwide revenue,” Kaluzny said. “We are excited to partner with Darin, a seasoned executive who is ideally suited to lead Goddard in its next phase of growth and success.”
Harris steps into his new role as Goddard Systems continues its mission of providing high-quality early education and care, building on a strong foundation established under Maple’s leadership.
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