Stacey Stearns
ACE President 2025 - 2026
University of Connecticut
Stacey Stearns is a Communications Specialist and leads strategic communications, marketing, and organizational storytelling efforts that connect Connecticut residents with research-based information from UConn Extension. Her work spans agriculture, youth development, environmental sustainability, community resilience, workforce development, and public health. Stacey has played a key role in securing and managing external grant funding, developing nationally recognized educational programs, advancing digital engagement strategies, and increasing awareness of Extension's impact across Connecticut and beyond.
Stacey earned a bachelor of science in animal science from the University of Connecticut and a master of science in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida. Her academic background and firsthand agricultural experience has shaped her passion for connecting research, education, and real-world application through effective communication.
A dedicated leader within the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE), Stacey served in numerous leadership roles, including President and Learning Community Director on the Board of Directors. Prior to that, she was a Learning Community Leader for Social Media and Media Relations and Writing, and a Conference Co-Chair. Throughout her service to ACE, she has championed professional development, mentorship, member engagement, and leadership development opportunities that strengthen the communications profession across Extension, research, and academic institutions. As ACE President, she focused on fostering connections among members, supporting emerging leaders, and ensuring the association remains responsive to the evolving needs of communicators.
Beyond her professional role, Stacey is actively involved in her family's dairy farm in Connecticut, where she combines firsthand agricultural experience with her expertise in communications. Her lifelong involvement in agriculture has fueled her commitment to supporting farmers, strengthening rural communities, and helping agricultural businesses tell their stories through effective communication, marketing, and public engagement.
Stacey is also a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous equestrian publications and equine industry organizations. Through her work with UConn Extension, ACE, agriculture, and the equine industry, Stacey remains committed to helping organizations communicate their value, demonstrate impact, and build meaningful connections that create positive change.
