In The Last Word, we sit down with an industry expert to share their wealth of knowledge. In the May/June issue, the conversation features Nicci Bucher, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.
1. How did you get started in the community recreation industry?
NB: I started my career at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), working with families who were navigating tough situations. Seeing how much the right support can change lives is what eventually led me to the YMCA. I began in human resources and grew into roles in program services and operations. Those experiences shaped my passion for building organizations that care for people in a holistic way and strengthen communities.
2. What’s been a key to your team’s success? What are you most proud of?
NB: One of the keys to our success has been building teams around individual’s strengths. Everyone brings something different to the table, and when you’re intentional about putting together complementary skills, people support each other instead of competing. I encourage staff to show up as their authentic selves and promote a transparent culture, because honest communication and constructive feedback are how we get better. I’m most proud of the cultures I’ve helped build where people feel supported, appropriately challenged and genuinely excited to come to work. I try to promote an environment where people feel safe to receive feedback to grow and add further value to the team.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
NB: For more than two decades, I had the privilege of leading the nation’s largest corporate childcare partnership between Walt Disney World Resorts and the YMCA of Central Florida. Together we created safe, high-quality, nationally accredited early learning programs that served more than 600 children a day, 17 hours a day, 365 days a year, so cast members and families could work without worry. Watching children grow, learn and build the social connections that shape their earliest years has been my greatest professional pride. It’s also personal — my children attended the program from infancy, and today they’re 18 and 21 and off to college.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?
NB: Like the rest of the world, it was the COVID-19 pandemic and the daily unknowns that came with it. Every day brought decisions that affected people’s jobs, their health and families. Knowing parents were counting on us and children’s safety was in our hands was heavy and humbling. Being present and available for families while also maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children mattered more than ever. In early learning, children thrive on interaction, facial expressions and engagement. Making sure they were still experiencing those critical moments as they reached milestones — while also protecting their health and well-being — was both a blessing and a challenge.
5.What is one lesson you’ve learned that other community recreation professionals can learn from?
NB: Even back to my time at DCF, I’ve learned to lead and listen with curiosity and empathy. Everyone’s story is different, and taking the time to listen helps you truly understand how people got where they are and what they need. When we listen first — whether to a community member, volunteer, donor or partner — we’re better equipped to adapt to the needs of our stakeholders and community and make a real difference in the lives of others.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
NB: I owned a five-acre hobby farm and raised animals and my kids in the middle of nature and the outdoors. Taking care of animals every day gives you a real appreciation for simple things and keeps you grounded. Now, as an empty nester starting this chapter in St. Petersburg, I’m trading farm life for city living and time on the water. I’m truly looking forward to the next adventure.
