2019 40 Under 40 Yearbook: Stacy Burks, 49

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Then: District office director, U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond
Now: Executive director, American Red Cross of Southern Missouri

Working with Missouri Sens. Kit Bond until 2010 and Roy Blunt until 2015, Stacy Burks was familiar with natural disasters. When in Joplin after the 2011 tornado, Burks was impressed to see the Red Cross in action.

Fast forward to 2015 and the position she holds today: “I like helping people and feeling like I’m in service to other people. That’s one of the things that really makes me feel successful when I go home at night,” Burks says. “And the Red Cross does that each and every day.”

She can’t predict when disaster will turn workdays into overnights. But she still prioritizes her family. They enjoy time at the lake, church and cheering her 13-year-old’s softball games.

With a staff of seven and a 90 percent volunteer workforce, teamwork remains key to Burks’ business philosophy.

“We all rely upon each other to provide the best services for clients,” she says.