As chief executive officer and president of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Clara Reynolds leads a staff of nearly, 400 employees who respond to thousands of requests for help, every year. Crisis services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agency provides a wide range of programs, and services, based on successful national, evidence-based models or certified programs.
She is also the co-founder and former executive director for Success 4 Kids & Families, a nonprofit organization that embraces system of care values and principles to provide children and their families with a comprehensive array of services.
1. College alma mater?
Florida State University and University of Tampa.
2. Favorite TV show of all time?
Tampa Bay Buccaneer away games and University of Florida men’s basketball.
3. Preferred place for a business meeting?
Trip’s Diner.
4. Social media time suck of choice?
Recently, I’ve been spending more time on LinkedIn sharing my daily adventures.
5. What time do you wake up on workdays?
4:20 a.m. for a swim workout
6. What’s a life hack you swear by?
Eating mustard from packets on long-distance swims to avoid cramps.
7. A movie that terrified you as a child?
The Shining.
8. Favorite local restaurant?
Iavarone’s and Trip’s Diner.
9. Last book you read?
“Dinners with Ruth” by Nina Totenberg.
10. Biggest business failure?
I’m a licensed social worker, by trade, which means I’ve helped thousands of children and families in my career. I wish I had been able to help 100% of them but each person’s journey, circumstances and choices are different.
11. Best concert you’ve ever seen, live?
Jimmy Buffett and Rolling Stones.
12. Something you cook really well?
Turkey Tacos.
13. Most famous person you’ve ever met?
Future NBA All Star, Colin Castleton.
14. Coca-Cola or Pepsi?
Coke Zero!!!
15. How do you manage the volume of emails you receive?
I make certain to sit down, at some point each day, go through email and prioritize correspondence. Sometimes this happens at 7 a.m. Sometimes it’s at 8 p.m.
16. Last thing you ordered from Amazon?
Warm boots – this cold weather is wicked.
17. Most used emoji?
😊
18. Charity you support?
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay (of course!)
19. What is something silly you got in trouble for as a child?
Not getting out of the pool when it was time to go.
20. Best advice ever received?
Nothing worth having comes easy.