Live Well hires first director

Brad Stroud is no stranger to living well. As a former athlete and coach, he loves to be active with his two sons and to cook using fresh produce.

But he wanted that lifestyle into his profession, as well. In September, he found it with Live Well Crawford County, when he was named as the organization’s first director.

Stroud grew up in Frontenac, graduating from Frontenac High School in 1999. He attended Pittsburg State University, where he played baseball from 2000 to 2004. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in physical education, he served as assistant baseball coach from 2004 to 2006 — a position he would hold at Ft. Scott Community college from 2006 to 2008.

In 2008, he joined Watco Companies, LLC, a Pittsburg-based transportation company and one of the largest privately-owned shortline railroad in the U.S. There, he worked as a car hire analyst, manager of revenue accounting, and a marketing analyst.
But he sought a position he felt passionate about — one that made him excited to get out of bed every day.

“I have always aspired to be happy in my profession,” he said. “This position with Live Well Crawford County gives me that opportunity.”
Stroud ranks as a top priority his family and friends and the time he spends with them, and wants to remain healthy in order to enjoy it for as long as possible. A diabetic since he was 11 years old, that desire has come with its share of challenges.

But Stroud puts in the time and effort: he runs three times a week, serves as a youth coach, and loves to shop at the City Market in Kansas City, Missouri, whenever he is able.

“I also love to ride bikes with my two sons, Frankie, 7, and Stiles, 4,” he said, “and I’m an avid fan of baseball, football, and basketball.”

Now, he wants to lead Live Well Crawford County’s mission to improve the health of all Crawford County citizens.

“It’s something that I 100 percent believe in, and I feel it is key that we take the initiative to help everyone in Crawford County improve their health through healthy eating and choices, physical activity, and increased awareness and education,” Stroud said. “Together as a county, we can do this.”

Live Well Co-Chair Kim Vogel said one of his main functions will be overseeing the organization’s new Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas “Pathways to a Health Kansas” grant. He was chosen, she said, Stroud out of a very qualified candidate pool.

“The personal stories that Brad had to share about his health and his journey to leading a healthier lifestyle, along with his background in physical education, made him stand out above the other candidates for this position,” she said.

Make plans to attend the Girard Chamber Coffee on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Girard Extension Office, 120 E. Buffalo, for the opportunity to meet Stroud in person.