AMY YOUNT, MBA, CPA, CCAP

PRESIDENT AND CEO | STEP UP SUNCOAST

Helping people succeed inspires me to give my very best every day.

WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE?

My single most significant strength is perseverance. I first discovered it in second grade when I couldn’t read like my peers. Once I saw a path forward, I worked hard and within a few years was in accelerated classes. That lesson shaped me for life. I leaned on perseverance as a young mom to earn my bachelor’s degree in accounting while working full-time, commuting for long hours, and studying late at night. I went on to pass the CPA exam and later complete my MBA in Executive Leadership, all while raising three children and working demanding jobs. Today, I draw on that same strength as President and CEO of Step Up Suncoast. In 2024, when our region was struck by back-to-back hurricanes, families were in crisis, staff were personally affected, and demand for services surged. Perseverance drove me to secure emergency funding, strengthen recovery partnerships, and support staff so they could continue serving others while rebuilding their own lives. For me, perseverance in leadership means inspiring resilience in others and ensuring the organization remains strong through adversity.

HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU?

At 29, I laced up my shoes to lose weight, not realizing running would become one of the most defining lessons in my life. What began with one mile soon became three, and then a 5K. With encouragement from coworkers and my running mentor, Mary, I went on to complete many half-marathons, 12 full marathons, the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World (39.3 miles in a single weekend), and I even coached others beginning their distance running journeys. Running showed me the power of preparation, pacing, and persistence. When the miles grew hard, I found I could accomplish my larger goal by focusing on smaller ones, simply putting one foot in front of the other. That mindset—step by step and goal by goal—is exactly how I approach challenges in life and leadership. I believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Even the toughest obstacles can be overcome one step at a time.

WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”?

My “Secret Sauce” is an unwavering passion for the mission of Step Up Suncoast. From my first interview as Fiscal Director in 2000 to my role today as President and CEO, that passion has fueled me every day. Knowing that each decision, each strengthened relationship, and each effort to inspire others helps children and families build brighter futures motivates me to always give my very best.

DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS.

Perseverance and teamwork can move mountains!

EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR Step Up Suncoast’s incredible, creative, and dedicated staff. They are so invested in our mission and inspire me daily with their passion and commitment to helping families build brighter, more stable futures.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK.

Step Up Suncoast is a nonprofit Community Action Agency serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve long-term economic stability through education, support services, and community partnerships. Each year, thousands of hard-working families turn to Step Up Suncoast for early childhood education, housing and utility assistance, financial literacy, tax assistance, and workforce programs. Behind every service are dedicated staff who care deeply about helping their neighbors succeed. Together with our community partners, we open doors to opportunity and brighter futures, ensuring families have the support they need to thrive.

6428 Parkland Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243 | 941.827.2887 | StepUpSuncoast.org | facebook.com/stepupsuncoast