Staff Spotlight on Stacy Gromatski
President and CEO
Q. What’s the most meaningful part of working with the Florida Network?
Stacy: “The most meaningful part is knowing the impact that we are having on the lives of children and families each and every day. Almost equally meaningful to me is the mission of the Network to support and bring together the people that are doing the work. I get such great joy in seeing Networkers building relationships and developing camaraderie. We truly are better together, and the Network gives us the opportunity to build upon that brother and sisterhood.”
Q. What do you wish you had more time for each day?
Stacy: Connecting personally with the leaders of our partners and visiting programs in local communities. It is so important to me that I understand the issues that our leaders are confronted with on a daily basis, and simply to be closer to them as colleagues and friends.
Q. What book have you read that has impacted you most and why?
Stacy: I am a big reader and to pick one, or even 100, is tough for me. There are so many that have had incredible impacts on me at different times. To Kill a Mockingbird had the most impact on me as a young person and lit a fire that has remained stoked my entire life. Currently I am reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and I have been very moved by both the story and prose. It’s an incredibly moving story that one reviewer described as “Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this is the story of an irrepressible boy nobody wants, but readers will love.” Trust me, check it out! And I always recommend A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith to better understand our state’s history and the determination and sacrifices of Florida’s early pioneers. The mosquito swarm scene is scarier than any horror movie I’ve ever seen!
Q. What keeps you going when you feel pressure or uncertainty?
Stacy: Lately I have been feeling these things in greater measure than I have my entire career, but luckily I have a few things to turn to in these times. One is strategy. I feel better if I can take action, which starts with developing a strong strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Second is turning to the team at the Network, they are all so generous with their love and support and encouragement, I don’t know how I would get through a single day without them. Third is GRIT (my word of the month), or as my Dad would have said, stubbornness. Finally our Board of Directors, when I am feeling especially discouraged, they are always there to uplift my spirits and inspire me to dig deep.
Q. What is something about the Florida Network you wish more people knew about?
Stacy: Everything! We often hear that our programs are their community’s “best kept secret” – we don’t want to be under wraps any longer!! I can’t think of a time in 30+ years when families were in more need of the support, compassion, and expert care that our members provide.
Q. What’s your favorite weekend activity?
Stacy: Reading, cooking, traveling, visiting my kids, listening to music and enjoying nature. And spoiling my pup Sophie!
Q. Who inspires you?
Stacy: The kids that we serve. So many have been through so much trauma, loss and pain but they show such courage in simply having hope for the future. We are honored with the opportunity to play a big or small role in their lives. Their spunk and resilience is why I Keep the Faith!!!
Q. What do you want your legacy to be?
Stacy: My sister and I knew instantly what we wanted the epitaphs for our parents to be, and I would be honored to be thought of the same way – “A teacher, but always a student” and “She believed in the best in us all”.
Learn more about our team at https://floridanetwork.org/about/network-team/
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