Stacey Cook, CEO of SalusCare since 2016, was named among the top 20 best communicators in Southwest Florida by Southwest Florida Speakers & Trainers Association. Among its members are professional speakers, thought leaders, industry experts, trainers, consultants, authors, bloggers and podcasters.
Southwest Florida Speakers & Trainers Association was organized in 2022 as an initiative of The Community Foundation to boost the power and potential of public speaking. The organization’s President is Michael Chatman, who is also CEO of The Community Foundation. Being named to the list includes monthly gatherings at Florida Gulf Coast University for camaraderie, networking and growth opportunities.
“It takes practice and a habit of communicating to become an excellent communicator,” said Alison Aparo, program organizer. “By working with leaders, we help them create a competitive advantage.”
Recommendations of who to include on the list were made by people familiar with the communicators. From that process, recommendations are narrowed down to create a short list. A small panel compromised of members of the Southwest Florida Speakers & Trainers Association made the final decision.
Cook served as interim president/CEO at SalusCare since October 2015, before being named president and CEO in May 2016. Cook graduated from the Lee County public schools. She earned her master’s degree in social work from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2001 and was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 2003. Prior to joining SalusCare, she served in various leadership roles at David Lawrence Center through Lee Mental Health.
The Southwest Florida Speakers & Trainers Association sponsors an annual gathering every September for professional speakers. For information, contact Alison@capecoralcf.org.
About SalusCare
SalusCare is a Fort Myers-based, not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse service provider incorporated in 2013 after the merger of Lee Mental Health Center and Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS) to ultimately improve care for children and adults by utilizing one seamless system of care. “Salus” means health, prosperity and safety, reflecting the focus of the organization. SalusCare has six locations with more than 350 employees throughout Southwest Florida, bringing hope and recovery to nearly 16,000 adults and children each year. All substance abuse programs and most mental health services are accredited by CARF International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. For information, visit saluscareflorida.org or call 239-275-3222.
