Her Story
About Molly
Molly Ealy is the Executive Assistant for the City of Newport Parks and Recreation in Newport, Tennessee. She has been with the organization for two and a half years, initially starting as an administrative assistant before advancing to her current executive role one and a half years ago. Prior to this position, Ealy spent approximately ten years in healthcare, holding roles in marketing, operations, and leadership. She assists with communications, grant writing, partnerships, strategic planning, and community events, with a focus on connecting residents to parks and public spaces. Ealy earned a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University in Women's Studies and Communications. She also completed the Indiana University Executive Development Program (IUEDP), a program designed for parks and recreation professionals, and is working toward her Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Molly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having really positive leadership and mentors in my life, and having the courage to start over a couple years ago. When I changed directions I was nervous and scared, but it's never too late to do that. Finding your people and positive mentors and encouragers helps guide you, and you can't be afraid to start over and be uncomfortable sometimes.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is having someone believing that I was capable of something more than I believed in myself. Every opportunity has come with somebody pushing me outside of my comfort zone and telling me I know you can do this. That has changed the way I lead now, and I try to do that for other people because growth really happens when you get pushed outside of that comfort zone.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Showing up and staying true to yourself is really important to me, something my mother taught me. It's never just about me, it's about we. Always giving credit back to the team and everybody that helps get you to where you are, because great things don't happen alone. The value of showing up and giving your all in what you do.
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