For every nonprofit organization that Tracie Hodge has served, she keeps a little piece of it in her life. With a mind for business and a heart for children, her contributions to the Tallahassee community make a difference. And, they have made her one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know for 2026.
Originally from a small town in Georgia of less than 2,000 people, Hodge moved to Tallahassee to care for her mother. “She moved back to Georgia, and I stayed here,” she laughs. “Tallahassee has a way of doing that.”
She started to build a career, joining Big Bend Hospice and working in accounting. That is when she fell in love with nonprofit work, appreciating the community connection and opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
“For me, it is about impact beyond the numbers,” Hodge says. “I am motivated by the idea that when we lead with integrity and compassion, we create space for people to thrive. Knowing that my role helps protect and strengthen that mission gives my work purpose.”
Her inspiration is simple: ensuring that organizations have the funding necessary to meet the needs of children and others at risk in the Big Bend.
Throughout her career, she has been on the financial and accounting teams at Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, and the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region. With each step, she gained a deeper appreciation for the value of her work.
“I wanted to learn more about how grants worked, and what would happen to those kids if there wasn’t any funding.” Recalling her childhood in rural Georgia, it started to become personal.
Hodge earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in accounting and organizational management from Ashford University, became a Certified Fraud Examiner, and now serves as Chief Financial Officer of Big Bend Cares, Inc., where she supports efforts to assist individuals living with HIV by helping ensure that essential resources — such as food, transportation, housing, medication, and healthcare services — are accessible to those in need.
“At the heart of it, my work helps ensure people have access to the care, stability, and the support they deserve,” she says. “I do this work because I believe everyone deserves dignity, stability, and access to care. Being part of an organization that supports individuals allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself. My role may be financial, but the impact is deeply personal.”
And she keeps the kids close to her heart as Board Treasurer for the Boys & Girls Club.
“I am proud that I have been able to build a career where my work aligns with my purpose,” she says. “Being able to use my strengths to support others, serve my community, and contribute to something bigger than myself is deeply meaningful to me. I take pride in showing up with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to doing work that matters.”
Hodge is the president of the Tallahassee chapter of the AGA formerly the Association of Government Accountants, a role she credits for helping her get out of her shell and step into leadership, even though she considers herself a shy person.
“I believe leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about leaving the room better than you found it,” she says. “My goal is to lead with integrity, steward resources wisely, and help create stability and opportunity so that the work that truly matters can continue long after the conversation ends.”
She is inspired by leaders who balance strength with humility. “Early in my career, I worked under someone who led with both excellence and empathy. They showed me that you can hold high standards while still leading with grace, and that is something I strive to reflect in my own leadership,” she says.
Hodge finds joy in simplicity, like spending time with family, especially her son Kaleb and her husband Sedrick, connecting with friends, listening to music, and enjoying good food and good conversation.
“I really enjoy the sense of community in Tallahassee,” she says. “I love that you can find meaningful connections, explore great local spots, and also step outside and enjoy nature when you need a little peace and quiet. It is a place where you can work hard and still take a breath and enjoy life.”
Many can take a breath and enjoy life, thanks to Hodge’s commitment and work, and she is thankful to be able to do it.
“At my core, I believe leadership is about service, stewardship, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. My goal is not simply to lead within my role but to contribute to something greater — strengthening organizations, supporting communities, and helping ensure that people have access to care, dignity, and hope.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women for ’26: Tracie Hodge values ‘impact beyond the numbers’
Reporting by Heather Fuselier, Special to the Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
