Gloria Redman

Gloria Redman has used the experiences she gained selling advertising to grow the Arkansas Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

There was little left of the organization when Redman was hired as executive director four years ago.

“The first two fund-raising events were planned, coordinated and managed entirely by me, with no chairperson and no committee,” she said.

But she had made a lot of friends and acquaintances during the 12 years she was in sales, so she started calling them.

“It was only six weeks until the Little Rock Great Strides Walk-a-thon. I told everyone I needed bodies and I needed money. They all jumped in to help, and that first year the chapter exceeded its fund-raising goal by 85 percent and was recognized as one of the top five in the country with the greatest percentage of increase,” Redman said.

Also during that first year, Redman established a statewide board and recruited people to head fund-raising events across the state. During her tenure, the organization has seen an average revenue growth rate of 36 percent a year.

The foundation doesn’t provide direct services to those stricken with cystic fibrosis, the No. 1 genetic killer in the country. Its goal is

to raise funds to help find a cure and promote awareness.

“There is some very cutting-edge research going on now. Because those with the disease have to have increasingly more powerful antibiotics, pharmaceutical companies must constantly be researching new antibiotics,” she said.

An admirer of University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles for his energy, charisma and vision, Redman said, “If there is in fact a secret for my success, I believe it is that I take pride in what I do and have a personal commitment to my job. I believe this pride and commitment is an attribute that separates excellence from mediocrity.”

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