As communications specialist for the City of Peoria, Stacy Peterson can often be seen out and about, bringing a unique brand of whimsy to all that she does. Happily devoted to her adopted hometown, she is an arts ambassador—and one of the city’s loudest cheerleaders! She also finds time to teach fitness classes at the YMCA and serve on the Peoria Historical Society Board of Trustees. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she moved to Grinnell, Iowa, and later, Macomb, Illinois, where her parents still reside. She graduated from the University of Iowa with an English degree, attended Alliance Francaise in Paris, France for language, and earned her master’s degree in communication from Western Illinois University. She served on the initial steering committee for Sculpture Walk Peoria, and previously put her talents to work for the Peoria Public Library and Peoria Art Guild, among many other endeavors.
- Person who’s had the greatest impact on my life: I can’t pick one—they come in a set: my parents. They opened up the world to me through travel and have always given endless support, advice and love, with a healthy dose of good humor.
- Favorite album: I’m still stuck on vinyl, so I like to listen to albums from beginning to the end. That being said: Abbey Road by the Beatles.
- Favorite journey: Local author Norm Kelly is a friend of mine, and I’ll gladly listen to any historical tale that he wants to tell, so my favorite journeys are back in time—through his eyes!
- When and where were you happiest? I’ve always been happy, but now is an incredible time to be in Peoria, and I’m thrilled to see what’s to come!
- Who are your favorite writers? I’m especially fond of Flannery O’Connor, Raymond Carver and Marilynne Robinson—all have ties to my alma mater, the University of Iowa.
- What is your motto? A quote by Ghandi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” We have the power to improve our communities.
- What was your first job? I’m a lifelong Midwesterner, so my first job was detassling corn. I lasted about a week and then took a job in a college cafeteria. Slinging green beans from a steam table was much easier.
- Favorite vacation spot outside of the U.S.: My mother is from France, so I love to visit relatives in Paris, Burgundy and Alsace-Lorraine.
- What’s on your iPod? A little bit of everything, I guess. Stevie Wonder, Serge Gainsbourg, Johnny Cash and everything in between.
- Do you collect anything unique? Vintage barware (martini shakers) and fountain pens (truly unique in today’s digital world)! a&s
