Meet Staci

Staci Galentine

Director of Advancement

Staci's Super Power:

Thrive.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." ~Maya Angelou

Though trying moments can often feel punishing and unkind, we are always

EMPOWERED to choose how we treat ourselves and others. I strive to leave a legacy of change for good’s sake and help others THRIVE in their journey.

Staci joined Empower Me Center in 2025 as the Director of Advancement serving as a community liaison to help realize the DREAM: expanding space and services and increasing capacity for Empower Me Participants. Fueled by coffee(s), driven by a passion to create meaningful change for good‘s sake and energized by genuine connection, Staci brings heart and purpose to everything she does.

A native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Staci’s journey has taken her through Washington, Georgia, Ohio, and Missouri before calling Tennessee home. She is a proud graduate of Belmont University and brings over 30 years of experience in

leadership, nonprofit advancement and event planning and logistics.

Previously, Staci served as Vice President for Advancement at Cumberland University, where she played a key role in supporting the school’s financial growth and academic sustainability while deepening community engagement through strategic partnerships. “Our community continues to show up,” she says. “I am grateful to be surrounded by such compassionate people.”

Staci is deeply committed to philanthropy and service, including involvement with Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Mother to Mother, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Board, the ALS Association’s Evening of Hope, and Lou Gehrig Day for Major League Baseball.

She draws strength from her personal journey and remains a dedicated advocate for those living with ALS and the families who love and support them, in memory of her late husband, Bryan Wayne Galentine. Staci is also the proud mother of two courageous, compassionate, and charismatic sons, Grayson and Bennett.