Julie Baumgardner said Wednesday that as she dreamed as a ninth-grader of becoming a counselor, it never crossed her mind that 41 years later she'd head a nonprofit dedicated to helping families.
But as CEO of First Things First, the Chattanooga organization has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives over the two decades since it was launched, she said.
"Seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth, not a reason to throw in the towel, can keep us moving forward versus stopping us dead in our tracks," said Baumgardner, who accepted the Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year award at a ceremony.
The 55-year-old manager, who received the 32nd annual award from a collection of business groups, cited her late brother for providing inspiration.
Lee Munz Jr., who died a couple of years ago at age 56, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at four months old and a physician said he'd be a quadriplegic and never walk, according to Baumgardner.
While he had learning challenges, he learned to walk and talk, graduated from high school and "went on to do some amazing things," she said.
"He lived an incredible life," Baumgardner told a large group at The Chattanoogan hotel. "He had so many challenges but he didn't let one discourage him from living life full on."
She said her brother took every opportunity "very seriously."
"On my most challenging days, I don't face the obstacles he encountered on a daily basis," said Baumgardner, who has headed the nonprofit since 2001. "He is a constant inspiration to me that risk-taking is so totally worth it. Getting out of your comfort zone can turn into some amazing life experiences."
She also noted her mother, whom she described as having been "a ferocious mama bear making sure my brother had what he needed to learn and grow."
Her mother, Baumgardner said, stepped completely out of her comfort zone to advocate for her brother and others with disabilities.
The First Things First CEO said some people describe herself as relentless, tenacious and passionate.
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," she said. "These traits have given me the guts to jump in with both feet for the work of First Things First."
Baumgardner said the potential to make a difference for families was greater than the anxiety she felt.
"The passion drives me to make a difference," she said.
First Things First started two decades ago when the Scenic City was starting its comeback spurred by waterfront revitalization. Leaders at the Maclellan Foundation and others looked at local problems for families, education, racism and economic development.
According to First Things First, Hamilton County has shown sharp drops in divorce filings and teen pregnancy and increases in father involvement.
Chattanooga businessman Emerson Russell, last year's top manager, said that some $8.5 million in taxpayer dollars have been saved because of the group's Dads Making a Difference class, which helps fathers who are behind in child support payments stay of out jail.
"Since First Things First's inception in 1997, Julie has championed Chattanooga families," Russell said, first as associate director and then later heading the group.
He said Baumgardner, who oversees a staff of 11, a 500-person volunteer roster and a $1.5 million a year budget, has raised more than $26.3 million for the group under her leadership, having more than 3,000 donors contributing gifts from $20 to $300,000.
Baumgardner said a successful leader is "definitely not a solo act."
"When it's all said and done, living a life is about leaving a legacy," she said. "We can all leave a legacy no matter what seat we are in on the bus. We can all make a positive difference in our families, our organizations and our community."
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.