40 UNDER 40: Frances Hradil

Frances HRADIL

Director of Development and Marketing

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Age: 38

* Do you have ideas to attract and keep the youth in the Syracuse area? We must support and nurture arts and cultural organizations to create excitement in order to maintain and improve the quality of life in Central New York. We should also engage our youth to appreciate and admire the arts.

* Where do you see the community and yourself in the next 10 years? I hope to lead a new generation in discovering the vibrant arts and cultural organizations in Central New York.

* Who has been the most influential person in your career? My mentor and friend, Robert Ramin, executive director of The National Aquarium in Washington, D.C.

* What are your guiding principles in life? Having balance: family, work, faith, friends, and community.

* What is your best career decision? Choosing the not-forprofit sector, which allows me to positively affect causerelated organizations.

* How is your life different than imagined? Never imagined how life experiences such as traveling to Africa could enhance my role as a conservation advocate.

* What is your motto? Everything can be an adventure.

* What are the core values that have been essential all to your success? Strong work ethic, passion for organization's mission and my ability to cultivate and foster relationships.

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