For many years Randy Stock weather helped build and guide the Lacer Limo, a service which helps people get to doctor’s appointments among other destinations and services.
Most recently he played an integral role in seeing Lacer Limo find and complete construction for a new facility to house its transportation vehicles as well as give volunteers a place to gather and get organized and arrange schedules.
With this project completed Stock weather decided it was time to make a change and hand the reins over.
After searching for the right candidate, Kelly Watson has been selected to lead as the new executive director of Lacer Limo.
A native of Texas, Watson came to Skaneateles in 2021.
“I am a native Texan, but have lived in Massachusetts, California, and most recently, Arizona,” she said. “We relocated to Skaneateles in January, 2021 for my husband’s job.”
Watson has a diverse educational and professional background which she brings with her to the new role with Lacer Limo.
“I have an AA in journalism from Kilgore College, a BS in organizational leadership specializing in public and nonprofit management from Colorado State University, and a MS in management and leadership from Western Governors University,” she said. “I have worked in nonprofits in Texas, Massachusetts, California, and Arizona, in either philanthropy or executive roles. Most recently I served as the executive director for Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun, based in the Phoenix area, for six and a half years. I have volunteered with many organizations over the years, and am currently volunteering with the Barrow Gallery in Skaneateles.”
Like many other things that come with living in Skaneateles, Watson learned about Lacer Limo and what it does for the community through word of mouth.
“I knew a bit about the service because I know some people who volunteer as drivers,” Watson said.
And when she learned about the opportunity to serve as executive director, Watson was interested in pursuing the opportunity.
“I learned of the open position with Lacer Limo via a neighbor, who volunteers with the organization,” she said. “I was interested in the position because of the great community need it meets, and felt the role would be a good fit for me. I bring more than 20 years nonprofit experience to the role. My background includes fundraising, organizational leadership, grant writing, volunteer management, strategic planning, financial management, restructuring, human relations, change management and storytelling.”
Watson said she was drawn to the mission of Lacer Limo.
“The Lacer Limo is a literal lifeline for many of the clients we serve,” Watson said. “Making sure people get to life-saving medical appointments, or are able to shop for food, is an invaluable service. But beyond that, the service provides for people who might otherwise be unable to go anywhere. It allows them to participate in community activities – to feel like they are still part of a group – which is especially important for seniors, as chronic illness, depression, and loneliness are large contributing factors to suicide rates in older adults. In addition to the clients we serve, the organization is good for our volunteers. Not only does volunteering help people stay active and connected to their community, many studies have shown that people who volunteer have a greater sense of purpose and are generally happier than those who do not volunteer. My hope for the future is to build the organization’s capacity to provide services for more people.”
Since taking the position, Watson has been immersing herself into Lacer Limo.
“I started June 14 and so far I am spending a lot of time studying historical documents and learning about current procedures,” she said. “I am looking forward to my first ride-along later this week.”
This has also involved listening to those who play an important role in the operations of Lacer Limo.
“After speaking with board members and volunteers, the first order of business is to streamline our communications and scheduling systems; followed closely with raising funds to replace one of the vehicles,” Watson said. “I am also looking forward to meeting our wonderful volunteers and community supporters.”
And Watson hopes to continue to build on this foundation of what Lacer Limo offers and offer her skills to help the organization continue to thrive and provide the important service it has come to be known for.
“I strive to be a servant leader and a good listener,” she said. “I think with an organization that is volunteer-driven it is imperative to have a collaborative approach and be willing to listen to the ideas and suggestions of those who serve our clients on a daily basis.”
