Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Bardy
Hi Stephen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in a trailer park and experiencing my parents’ divorce at a young age, I learned early on the value of perseverance and self-sufficiency. At 12, I started a lawn mowing business, and at 15, I joined the Youth Conservation Corps, gaining firsthand experience in teamwork and public service. While working at McDonald’s through high school and early college, I developed a strong work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my career.
At 25, after working multiple part-time jobs to travel and play amateur volleyball, it was time to get more serious about my career and I began working in a Substance Abuse program for people with HIV. It changed everything.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my career, I have faced significant challenges, from funding losses to unforeseen crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and even a devastating fire at our main animal shelter. My unwavering belief in myself and ability to problem-solve allowed me to navigate these obstacles and guide staff to emerge stronger.
When funding cuts threatened vital programs, I developed innovative fundraising strategies, strengthened donor relationships, and diversified revenue streams to ensure sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led my team through unprecedented uncertainty, adapting operations, securing available emergency funding, and ensuring continued support for the community. The fire at the shelter was one of the most difficult moments of my career, but by rallying staff, volunteers, and donors, we are rebuilding stronger than before, demonstrating the power of resilience and community support.
Challenges are inevitable and they are exhausting. They are also opportunities. You can grow, innovate, and create. My ability to remain focused, adaptable, and solution-oriented has allowed me to turn adversity into progress, ensuring long-term impact.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A highlight of my tenure at Pet Alliance was the creation of a Pet Coalition, uniting 20 rescue groups and three municipal shelters. This collaboration led to the launch of a Community Cat Program and a spay/neuter and vaccine clinic, which has altered over 17,000 cats in six years—significantly reducing homeless cat populations.
In 2018, I launched the Pet Apartment Registry in 2018 to mitigate challenges people with certain types and sizes of dogs face when renting. We commissioned an economic impact study on the ROI of pet inclusive policies. In our community we worked with more than 20 rental communities. In October 2023, I presented findings at a conference and provided guidance for the creation of a task force to take this initiative nationwide.
Previously, at the Children’s Home Society of Florida, I worked directly with youth and families facing challenges such as homelessness, abuse, and incarceration. One of my most rewarding accomplishments was securing a $6 million grant to develop a volunteer mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents. Leading a 40-county initiative with 1,500 volunteers and 30 staff members, I successfully mobilized resources and created lasting programs with far-reaching impact.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My mother says I came out speaking in sentences, so I have always been a bit of a talker. As a child, I was fascinated by adult conversations and always wanted to be at the table. I was also a fearful child. My parents were both twice divorced by the time I was a teenager, so it created a bit of uncertainty. While I was outwardly friendly and confident, I kept my friend circle very small and tight – a characteristic that has remained with me the entirety of my life.
In high school, I was fully engaged in a variety of clubs and social activities including tennis, drama, exchange and yearbook of which I served as editor my senior year. I was above average with my grades but not a stellar academic. I was genuinely more interested in the after-school activities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://petallianceorlando.org
- Instagram: petalliancego
- Facebook: petalliancego
- LinkedIn: steve bardy
Image Credits
4th picture – Shauna Hundeby East Coast photography
