Volunteering Helps Stacey Maxwell Meet Her Life Goals
Variety is the spice of life for Stacey Maxwell, a volunteer who joined Florida Oceanographic Society (FOS) about 18 months ago and has already given close to 300 hours of service. This Coral Gables native lived in Chicago for many years, where she was a Chicago Fire Department paramedic and her husband Bob was a police officer. The couple eventually moved to the Keys to open Maxwell’s Silver Scoop ice cream store, but Stacey still had many more career moves ahead of her.
“I’ve been in sales, marketing, PR, and then real estate for many years before I retired and we settled in Jensen Beach,” says Stacey. “With my background, I’m really comfortable being an Exhibit Guide and helping with FOS outreach events. I love being in contact with so many people, and trying to interest them and energize them to get involved with FOS.”
“My life motivation is to be of service to people,” she adds. “I love to educate, to make people feel included, to uplift and get people excited. Every time I’m at the Coastal Center and I see people smile and get excited about what we’re doing, I feel the personal value of being an FOS volunteer.”
For Stacey, some of her most meaningful roles involved organizing people. She was working as the assistant to the campus minister at St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, FL) during the first Gulf War. There, she loved bringing students together at peace-oriented events. At her parish, she’s been instrumental in seminars that bring racially diverse people together. During the coronavirus emergency, she’s led a daily meditation online.
Stacey enjoys walking the local beaches and doing yoga. She is passionate about dogs, especially her 14-year-old springer spaniel. She and Bob, who is an FOS volunteer water tester, like to hike the trails in the Halpatiokee and Jonathan Dickinson parks. They also travel to Chicago to visit their three daughters and four grandchildren.
“With the Center’s expansion, the true heart and soul of this organization will be on display,” says Stacey. “Nature is such powerful connection that brings us all together – I’m excited for the opportunities ahead for this community.”
Stacey Maxwell Snapshot
Born in: Coral Gables, FL
Family ties: Soon will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary
Hobbies: Swimming and water workouts, painting, hiking, yoga
Fav eats: Renato’s, Dolphin Bar, Lures, Carson’s Tavern
