The Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC) is proud to welcome a proven champion for nonprofit excellence as its next board chair: Stacy Baier, Ph.D. As a passionate member of the NLC board since 2022, Stacy brings three decades of expertise in education philanthropy to this strategic leadership role.
“During a time when nonprofits are navigating complex challenges and growing community needs, Stacy’s deep experience and collaborative leadership come at a pivotal time. I am looking forward to Stacy’s partnership to support and strengthen our Tampa Bay nonprofit sector together.”
Stacy appreciates being part of the Nonprofit Leadership Center because she believes building the knowledge, skills, and talents of nonprofit leaders is what will make the greatest difference in finding solutions to the community’s most significant challenges.
A Recognized Leader in Education & Community Impact
Stacy is currently the senior vice president of Florida community engagement, operations, and strategic partnership at the Helios Education Foundation, where she leads the Florida office to improve quality, access, and educational achievement across the birth to post-secondary education continuum. Before joining Helios, Stacy was the CEO of the Pinellas Education Foundation and also served as the president of the Florida Philanthropic Network.
In addition to her role on the NLC board, Stacy serves on the boards of the Florida Chamber Foundation and Florida Philanthropic Network. Stacy is a founding board member of the National Schools Foundation Association and author of “From Better to Best: Practical Strategies to Boost Efficiency in Your Education Foundation.” Stacy has been recognized multiple times by Florida Trend as one of the 500 Most Influential Leaders in the nonprofit/philanthropy category.
Stacy received her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Florida and holds a master of education from Harvard University. When she’s not in the office, Stacy enjoys traveling with her family and friends, believing there’s nothing more valuable than uninterrupted time to connect and make memories with those she loves.
5 Questions with Stacy Baier
1. As you step into this new role, what excites you most about supporting nonprofit leaders and organizations in our community?
In 30+ years working in the nonprofit sector, I’ve learned that strong leadership and organizations make the difference between deep community impact and simple programming. Equipping leaders and organizations with the knowledge, skills, tools, and strong network is the best contribution we can make to further the sector’s impact — ultimately resulting in better outcomes for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. I’m excited to be part of doing that at the Nonprofit Leadership Center.
2. What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the Nonprofit Leadership Center and the local nonprofit community in the year ahead?
We hear time and time again that nonprofits want to connect with each other on key issues they face and have the sector represented in critical community conversations. The Nonprofit Leadership Center is convening the community around important topics and provides an informed nonprofit point of view to crucial community leadership conversations to ensure the sector’s voice is represented. This mission-aligned approach expands our contribution to developing and connecting nonprofit leaders to strengthen organizations and our communities.
3. What’s your favorite class or learning experience offered by the Nonprofit Leadership Center?
I most appreciate interacting and networking with the variety of nonprofit leaders at different NLC functions. I have learned so much from the experience and wisdom of my fellow leaders. I leave almost every event with a new nugget of information and perspective to consider and integrate into my work.
4. As a team of lifelong learners, what’s something you hope to improve in during the year ahead?
I hope to be more intentional about connecting with my extensive network from within and outside my sector. As an introvert, networking has never been my strength, but every time I make time to connect with folks, I walk away super energized and excited about what’s possible.
5. What’s something most people don’t know about you or would be surprised to learn?
I went to the Junior Olympics in Tae Kwon Do. I wish I could go back to a time when I had that strength, endurance, and flexibility. Oh wait, now I’ve shared two things: I was an athlete and am now out of shape and inflexible.
Please join us in welcoming and thanking Dr. Stacy Baier for her leadership and continued service to strengthen nonprofits and our communities.
