Her Story
About Lynnea
Lynnea Maystrick is a human services executive and organizational leader with approximately 25 years of experience advancing child and family services, community development, and nonprofit leadership. As Chief Executive Director of Camden House Community Crisis Center, she leads initiatives that provide safety, shelter, advocacy, and hope for survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida. Throughout her career, Lynnea has been recognized for her ability to guide organizational transformation, strengthen community partnerships, and develop sustainable programs that improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, collaboration, and creating holistic solutions that empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive. Lynnea's diverse professional background spans child welfare, family preservation, public health, early childhood education, organizational development, and executive leadership. She began her career conducting child abuse and neglect investigations before advancing into leadership roles focused on family support services, community impact, organizational effectiveness, and nonprofit management. She earned an associate degree in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from the College of Saint Mary. Committed to lifelong learning, she has also completed advanced professional development in social and behavioral research, enabling her to lead organizations through innovation and meaningful change. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Lynnea is deeply committed to community engagement and service. She has served as a board member and consultant for the AnnieRuth Foundation, currently serves on the Amelia View board and actively collaborates with regional organizations to advance domestic violence prevention, child and family well-being, and community resilience. Through volunteer engagement, strategic partnerships, and public education, she continues to advocate for stronger support systems for individuals facing crisis. Guided by authenticity, integrity, and compassion, Lynnea believes that effective leadership begins with embracing one's true self, empowering others, and building organizations that create lasting, positive impact for the communities they serve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lynnea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being authentic and staying true to who I am, rather than trying to fit an ideal image of what I thought a professional “should” look like. Early in my career, I believed I needed to change myself to be taken seriously. I've since learned that embracing my genuine personality and experiences is what lets me lead with confidence and connect with people, whether I'm presenting to a room of funders, meeting with community partners, or walking beside a survivor on her hardest day. That authenticity is also personal: I know what it means to need a community to show up for you, because mine did, when my children and I once relied on that same kind of support as survivors of domestic violence. It's part of why I lead the way I do now.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never wait until I feel completely ready. Many of the abilities a leader needs are already there, the rest you build through experience and continuous learning. I also believe deeply in surrounding myself with knowledgeable, capable people. Strong teams are what give a leader the confidence and support to keep growing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait for permission to lead, and don't be afraid to bring your whole self to the table. This field will ask everything of you, so protect your own wellbeing as fiercely as you protect the people you serve. Say yes to the hard assignments, that's where you learn the most, and find mentors and teams you trust, because none of us do this work alone.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our biggest challenge is resources — funding for aftercare therapy, safe housing, and even reliable transportation for survivors rebuilding their lives in a rural community with very limited services nearby. Camden House is the only certified domestic violence shelter across our entire service area, so when a survivor calls us, there often isn't a second option. The opportunity is that more people are starting to recognize these gaps, which means every dollar donated directly extends someone's path to safety — whether that's a bed for the night, a ride to court, or months of therapy she couldn't otherwise afford.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my personal and professional life are authenticity, integrity, and continuous growth. Growing up as a farm girl in Nebraska taught me to be genuine, adaptable, and willing to learn a wide range of skills rather than staying in one lane. I believe every life experience, including my own, shapes who we become as leaders, and I strive to bring my whole self to this work, serving others with compassion, humility, and purpose.
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