Stacy Martinez
Stacy Martinez is an accomplished healthcare executive, operations specialist, and registered respiratory therapist with over 33 years of experience spanning bedside care, respiratory therapy, sales, and executive leadership. Currently serving as Executive Director at Century Park Associates in Nashville, Tennessee, she leads with a unique combination of clinical expertise and operational acumen, overseeing financial growth, quality outcomes, holistic wellness and staff development across senior living communities. Stacy’s professional philosophy centers on measurable results, coaching and mentoring, and aligning strategic initiatives with the day-to-day needs of residents and their families. Beyond her professional achievements, Stacy is mission driven and deeply committed to advocacy and industry reform. As a member of the THCA/TNCAL Future Leaders Program and the National Society of Leadership and Success, she actively engages with legislators to influence senior living policy, champion care quality, and ensure life-safety standards are upheld. Her dedication to operational excellence is matched by her entrepreneurial ventures, including the creation of Saweetie Limited Edition Shoes and ownership of Southern Grace Boutique Shops, through which she channels her creative energy into philanthropic efforts that support local communities. Stacy’s personal journey has shaped both her drive and her compassion. Stacy’s trajectory is marked by a relentless pursuit of growth and a proven ability to turn challenges into competitive advantages. As a first-generation graduate and current MBA in Business/Finance student, she has cultivated a high-level mastery of both business operations and mission-driven leadership. Her diverse portfolio—ranging from fashion design to community advocacy—showcases her ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a focus on core values like faith and family. She is not just a leader; she is a builder of communities and a champion for those she serves. Stacy’s work is a testament to her lifelong commitment to excellence and high-impact service. She is currently working on a nonprofit Harvest of Hope which had its first “unofficial” trial in summer of 2025 and plans to officially roll out 2026. Garden to table- her garden-their table.
• Creating a High Performance Culture
• Western Governors University - B.S.
• St. Augustine University- A.A.S Respiratory Therapy
• Honorable Member
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• LeadingAge Illinois
• Rotary Club
• TNCAL
• Habitat For Humanity
What do you attribute your success to?
Driven by the conviction that adversity builds us not define us. I leverage my personal history of overcoming challenges to advocate for others. I view resilience as the bridge between current obstacles and future growth, proving that a leader’s true value is found in the technical mastery and strength of character developed through perseverance
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was told once to always remember my identity is my potential, my values, and my future; my personality is simply the toolkit I’ve built to get there.
Since then, I’ve used this to empower others. I show them that while their current obstacles are building their professional 'muscle' (personality), those obstacles have no power to limit who they fundamentally are (identity)."
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Invest in your passions, not just your paycheck. True success is a byproduct of pursuing work that reflects your inner drive. When your journey is guided by what truly resonates, you gain the endurance required to turn that passion into a profitable and meaningful career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the context of the senior living industry, career growth is currently shifting from a "tenure-based" model to a ” competency based” model. To grow or advance, leaders must move beyond simply managing operations and instead solve the systemic challenges of affordability, clinical complexity, and workforce retention. That’s what’s needed today. Forget the “who” you know and lean into senior living”what” you know.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Without a doubt it’s my FAITH!
The most important value in both my work and personal life is my faith. It guides my decisions, shapes my actions, and provides a foundation for everything I do.