I recently went one-on-one with Stacey Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Stacey: Though not always linear, my career path is deeply rooted in the idea that leadership is most powerful when it is purpose-driven.
I’ve long believed that leadership is at its strongest when it’s grounded in service and aimed at improving people’s lives. That belief has guided every step of my journey.
I studied economics at Georgetown and later earned my MBA in finance from the University of Michigan. I began my career on Wall Street, but it was my transition into public finance that helped me understand how the same analytical skills used in business could be applied to create lasting public goods. That realization set me on a new path.
Across my nonprofit leadership roles – whether advancing healthier communities at United Way Worldwide or improving maternal and infant health at March of Dimes – I learned how to help organizations evolve, clarify their purpose, and meet the changing needs of the people they serve. Those experiences taught me that successful transformation requires humility, courage, and the willingness to challenge long-held assumptions while honoring the legacy that came before you.
All of that brought me to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). My connection to the mission of ending impaired driving is deeply personal: my sister was permanently injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver. That experience, and the hundreds of stories I hear from victims and survivors in our network, fuels my determination to lead MADD into its next chapter. Today, my focus is on strengthening our advocacy, elevating prevention, and ensuring we build an organization prepared for the future – one that saves lives, supports families, and continues to drive meaningful change nationwide.
Adam: What are the best leadership lessons you have learned from leading a non-profit organization?
Stacey: Passion is fundamental. As a leader, you must be deeply connected to your mission, especially in the non-profit space. If you’re not inspired by the work you’re doing, it’s difficult to inspire others.
Beyond passion, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that nonprofit leadership requires equal parts head and heart. You’re constantly balancing mission and impact with operational discipline. You have to make tough choices, often with limited resources, and still ensure your team feels supported, valued, and anchored in purpose.
I’ve also learned that trust and transparency are non-negotiable. People give their time, talent, and resources because they believe in the cause and they believe in the organization’s leadership. Clear communication, accountability, and a willingness to confront hard truths build the credibility needed to move a mission forward.
Another key lesson is the power of partnership. No non-profit succeeds alone. Whether you’re working with government, corporations, community organizations, or the people you serve, progress comes from building coalitions and aligning others around a shared vision. Collaboration multiplies impact.
And finally, I’ve learned that innovation is essential for long-term relevance. The world changes quickly…community needs evolve, technology advances, and expectations rise. Leaders must be willing to rethink outdated models, listen deeply to new generations, and embrace new tools and approaches that help us reach people where they are.
In a mission-driven organization, leadership isn’t just about directing strategy; it’s about inspiring belief, mobilizing communities, and creating the conditions for people to do their best work in service of something larger than themselves.
Adam: What are your best tips for fellow leaders of non-profit organizations?
Stacey: One thing I think is incredibly important for leaders to remember is that non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses operate in the same ways. Even though we are not dealing with trading like public companies, there still needs to be attention paid to promoting the strength and stability of your organization. Non-profits still have key stakeholders, and the people who can provide you with the most impactful investments will be looking for signs that your organization is the one to put time and money into. Keep the mission at heart, but be sure you’re also considering the business appeal of your organization.
Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Stacey: Effective leaders know how to honor an organization’s legacy while also being willing to evolve. At MADD, that has meant holding tight to our core commitment to victims and survivors while also expanding how we talk about impaired driving, including the reasons behind people’s risky choices and the solutions that can change those outcomes.
I’ve learned that great leadership requires deep listening, humility, and the courage to make thoughtful change even when it’s uncomfortable. It also means surrounding yourself with talented people, investing in their growth, and creating a culture where ideas can move freely. Leaders, especially aspiring leaders, elevate their impact when they stay curious, self-aware, and committed to learning.
Most importantly, effective leadership is rooted in compassion. When you genuinely understand the people you serve and the people you lead, you make better decisions. You build trust. And you create the kind of momentum that allows a mission like ours to carry forward for generations.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Stacey: First, lead with people, not around them. Meaningful progress never happens alone. At MADD, the changes we’ve made and the impact we deliver every day are only possible because of strong partners, ambassadors, and advocates who share our values. Align yourself with people who care about the mission as much as you do — that is what sustains real, long-term change.
Second, stay open to where purpose leads you. Don’t be afraid to change your path. I certainly didn’t imagine, as a business student at Georgetown and Michigan, that I’d one day be leading a national nonprofit. Every turn in my career has taught me something new, and some of the most meaningful work of my life came from opportunities I didn’t plan for.
Third, lead with curiosity and humility. No matter your title, you don’t have all the answers. Effective leaders listen deeply, learn continuously, and stay grounded in the communities and people they serve. When you lead with humility and a genuine desire to understand, you make better decisions, and you earn the trust that makes bold change possible.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Stacey: Effective leadership starts with creating a vision that people can truly believe in. When teams understand the “why” behind the work and feel connected to it, they bring not only their skills but also their full hearts to the mission. At MADD, I feel incredibly fortunate to lead an organization with a culture anchored in accountability, compassion, and deep respect for one another.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that people do their best work when they feel heard. During my tenure, we’ve worked intentionally to break down silos, strengthen communication across departments, and build systems in which open, meaningful feedback is not only welcome but expected. That openness allows us to grow, adapt, and transform together.
I never lose sight of the fact that none of this work happens without the extraordinary people who choose to serve this mission every day. My job is to support them by listening carefully, championing collaboration, and fostering an environment where empathy and excellence can coexist. I’m incredibly proud of how our team leads with compassion, and I believe that spirit is what enables us to move an organization forward, even in times of change.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Stacey: The best advice I’ve ever received was to let your purpose set your direction, not your fears. When you lead with purpose, you open yourself to opportunities you never imagined. That mindset is exactly what allowed me to say yes to roles that stretched me.
Adam: What can anyone do to pay it forward?
Stacey: Paying it forward, to me, is about investing in people so they can lead with confidence. Throughout my career, I have benefited from mentors who opened doors, shared their wisdom, and believed in my potential. I try to do the same for others by creating opportunities for people to stretch, lead, and see what they are capable of.
One of the most meaningful ways to pay it forward is by intentionally developing others as leaders. That includes giving people room to take on projects that challenge them, trusting them with real responsibility, and helping them build the skills they’ll need to thrive. At MADD, we focus on creating a culture where people feel supported, where their voices matter, and where they can grow. Whether someone is leading a team, a project, or a mission-critical initiative, I want them to feel equipped and empowered.
Ultimately, paying it forward means modeling the kind of leadership you hope to see in the next generation and encouraging others to do the same. When leaders invest in people this way, we don’t just strengthen them; we also strengthen their teams, the organization, and the communities we serve.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Stacey: One final thought I’d share as a leader is this: the future of MADD and traffic safety must be prevention first. We must move beyond reacting to tragedy and have the courage to stop it before it happens. Impaired driving deaths are up 22% since 2019, and with emerging threats like cannabis and polysubstance use, we can’t rely on yesterday’s solutions.
At MADD, we’re leading that shift by advocating for lifesaving prevention technology through the HALT Drunk Driving Law, modernizing our approach and programs to reach more young people online where influence happens the fastest, as well as using data and partnerships to address deeper challenges that underpin impaired driving, such as mental health issues, social pressure, isolation, and trauma.
Real change takes leadership at every level. Together with partners, advocates, and supporters, leaders can get closer to achieving their missions. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get involved in MADD’s mission, please visit www.madd.org. Feel free to also connect with me on LinkedIn to continue following my leadership journey.
