40 Under 40 from Back40
Perfectionist. Compassionate. Over-achiever. Each easily describes Stacy Brasher. However, while most would use them as defining terms, she has merely used these axioms as stepping stones to her latest achievement.
Selected as a Top Forty executive under the age of 40 by OKCBiz, Brasher will be honored by Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business with a $5,000 scholarship October 13 at a banquet in Oklahoma City.
Her shy demeanor never quite peeks out during her confident client meetings, and yet – say just one thing to embarrass Brasher like, “You’ve won the Top Forty Under 40 Award,” and the blushing red cheeks are an instant give-away.
A panel of local executives selected the 40 winners after sorting through nearly 150 nominations to recognize individuals who excel professionally and give back to their community. “This year’s winners are truly representative of the incredible talent pool here in Central Oklahoma,” said Jeffri-Lynn Dyer, OKCBiz Executive Vice President. “This group exemplifies the change and growth we’re seeing now, and the successes this community will realize in the near future.”
As the Director of Operations for Back40 Design, Brasher oversees all three company departments – web, graphic design and Edmond Outlook. “My professional fulfillment has come full circle with this new promotion,” she said. “Each position I’ve held over the years has taught me a piece of the puzzle I now use day in and day out. I’m grateful for the many opportunities I’ve been given.”
She started her career as a volunteer at the age of 17 with Citizens Caring for Children through an internship program at Edmond North High School. The Edmond non-profit helps abused and neglected foster youth who have been removed from their homes and placed into the state’s protective custody. “It was there I learned how to turn my ‘Type A personality’ from nature to nurture,” she said. “The sense of purpose and fulfillment within the non-profit community allowed me to nurture others, as well as my natural abilities. So I am deeply thankful to have found a position with Back40 that combines my personal achievements with my sense of
community values.”
In and out of the office for client meetings throughout the day, she’s infamous for losing her keys and is often seen with sunglasses perched on her head as she’s always on the go. As a former dancer, gymnast, and softball player, Brasher enjoys keeping an active lifestyle. She is often seen kicking off her high heels from a client meeting in a mad dash for running shoes as she sprints off to the gym several days a week.
Growing up, Brasher’s over-achieving qualities manifest within straight A’s, competitive sports, student council, volunteering, and even the Editor of the high school newspaper. “Easy” was not an avenue on her roadmap to success. College also led the “Type A way” with up to three jobs in one semester, as well as a full class schedule toward a Magna Cumme Laude degree with a Double Major in Public Relations and Philosophy from UCO.
Over the years, there have been many titles leading up to her latest award, including President of Public Relations Student Society, Honor Society, Women in Communications Chairperson, President of Edmond’s Best Business Club, United Way Allocations Committee volunteer, and many more. No matter the multiple awards and trophies of academics or athletics – those titles and shiny things are not what ground Brasher.
As a 29 year old, she does not take stock of her life with material possessions, status, or money. “These are simply not the gauges of success for me,” Brasher said. “Instead, I am proud at my age to have grown up with a loving family, and I am proud to know the value of saving and sacrifice for others. I am so honored to have won the Top 40 Executive award. I will carry that feeling of fulfillment with me for years to come.”
