Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award

The Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award recognizes local leaders who demonstrate qualities of service, leadership, vision, and collaboration. Candidates are administrators who have implemented innovative programming that contributes to the field of special education, have actively been involved with relevant organizations, volunteer to support related initiatives and who have contributed service to the field for a number of years. The award is presented annually at the February MAASE meeting.

Nomination Form

2025 Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award Winner

Greg Bodrie

Director of Special Education at Eastern Service Unit, Muskegon ISD

This annual award recognizes the outstanding service and leadership in the role of a local district special education director. The candidate of this award must be an approved Director of Special Education, and must be employed or function as such in a local district. The candidate must have a track record of implementing innovative programming which contributes to the field of special education. Criteria for this award also includes organizational involvement, volunteerism, and years of service.

The candidate for the Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier award must demonstrate qualities in five domains, which are service, leadership, vision, collaboration, and lifelong learning. I will now describe this year’s winner in each of these five domains.

The 2025 presentation delivered by Sue Toth

It is an honor to stand before you today to celebrate an extraordinary individual whose
dedication, vision, and leadership have left an incredible mark on the field of special education
in our state. The Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award recognizes local special education
administrators who exemplify the highest qualities of service, leadership, vision, and
collaboration. These individuals do not merely meet expectations—they redefine them.
The 2025 recipient of the Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award embodies all these qualities and more.
Their contributions to the field of special education are nothing short of transformational. This
person has consistently gone above and beyond to reimagine and create innovative programs
for students with special needs, offering them opportunities that truly align with the spirit of the
IDEA federal law. Their work is guided by a deep belief in equity, inclusion, and excellence for all
learners.

Throughout their career, this individual has mentored countless students through the Grand
Valley State University Special Education Leadership Program, inspiring the next generation of
leaders to carry forward their passion and commitment. They are a lifelong learner, constantly
seeking ways to grow and improve. Whether attending professional development through state
organizations, leading impactful book studies, or contributing to platforms like AIR, they remain
a beacon of knowledge and inspiration.

But their learning doesn't stop with formal methods. This leader actively shares insights through
podcasts, articles, and informal conversations, ensuring that knowledge is passed along to
colleagues and peers. Their dedication to service extends beyond their professional obligations.
Through their involvement in the MAASE organization, they consistently volunteer their time and
expertise, further solidifying their role as a cornerstone in the special education community.
One of the most remarkable qualities of this year’s recipient is their ability to listen and
collaborate. They have an uncanny ability to bring people together, to hear diverse perspectives,
and to inspire collective action toward a common goal. With charisma, integrity, and unwavering
dedication, they have demonstrated time and again their passion for creating a brighter future
for students, staff, and families.

This individual is not just a leader—they are a visionary with boundless energy, determination,
and an unshakable belief in the power of education to transform lives.
It is with great pride and admiration that I announce the recipient of the 2025 Patricia
Gilcrest-Frazier Award:Greg Bodrie. Greg is the Director of Special Education for the Eastern
Service Unit which is a consortium comprised of the districts of Fruitport, Oakridge, Orchard
View, and Ravenna

Please join me in congratulating Greg for his exceptional contributions to the field of special
education and for their tireless efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.
Greg, thank you for your incredible service, your visionary leadership, and your unwavering
commitment to making the world a better place for all learners. You are an inspiration to us all.

It is my honor to introduce to you our 2025 Patricia Gilcrest-Fraizer award winner: Greg Bodrie, Director of Special Education for the Eastern Service Unit which is a consortium comprised of the districts of Fruitport, Oakridge, Orchard View, and Ravenna

Past Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award Winners

2024 Dr. Derek Cooley
2023 Shailee Patel
2019 Jennifer Taiariol
2018 Marci Moloney
2017 Deborah Koepke
2015 Dan Heitzman
2014 Wayne Abbott
2013 Sue Pearson
2012 Dr. Michele Harmala
2009 Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier
2006 Donna Tinberg
2004 Anthony Thaxton, Ph.D.
2003 Cynthia Smith, Ph.D.