Member Profile: Stacey Ballard
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Anyone who’s attended Rotary events such as Conferences, Women in Rotary Celebration, Million Dollar Journey, Virtual Chocolate and Beer Tasting, Octoberfest, or Night at the Phillies would have seen Stacey Ballard’s hand in the productions. She is everyone’s Go-To-Pro for major events in the Southeastern PA District.
Stacey loves nothing more than nurturing an idea into a memorable event. (Who else would create a seven-foot-tall golden Oscars for the Service Above Self Awards?) She’s best known for fixing problems. When problems arise, she always says, “I got a guy for that. It’ll be fine. It’ll be fine.” It always is.
Born in north central Pennsylvania to four generations of florists, Stacey chose to attend Muhlenberg State College and majored in Russian and German cultures. As part of the curriculum, she spent a summer in Germany where she made lifelong friendships with international students who later sent their daughters for a summer study abroad. She then attended Villanova University and received a Master’s Degree in Organizational Sciences.
While at school, a family friend introduced her to Ernest Eadeh, owner of a commercial real-estate company, who gave her a part-time job. She carried buckets filled with wet plaster, shoveled bricks, drove dump trucks, nailed up plywood, and anything else that was needed. After graduation, Stacey was asked to stay on. ” It’s the only job I ever had, and I love it.” She learned every aspect of the company including leasing office space, writing contracts, repurposing old buildings and eventually became its president. Her three dogs run free in her office, and guests are invited to bring theirs. “Because it’s part of our office vibe.”
In 2012, Stacey was asked to help found the Upper Main Line Rotary Club and will be its president in 2024-2025. She recently helped to create Rotary 101, a presentation to familiarize new members with Rotary, and helped reignite a successful Rotary Youth Leadership Awards this winter! While not holding an official position in the district, she lends her talents wherever she’s needed.
Stacey married Frank Baffa five years ago in a Great Gatsby-themed celebration. They live in Berwyn in a house with a full-sized cow statue peeking over their fence, “It’s hilarious to see the unexpected!!” She’s fond of international travel, swimming, is a good cook, and haunts independent book stores looking for historical novels and talking with book loving employees.
“I am so lucky to be part of Rotary! It’s a gift to have the opportunity to help others and work with folks that I may have never met in my normal life! Being part of Rotary is being one of the cool kids!!”