Adrienne Wallace, Executive Director and CEO named to 2010 Fairfield County 40 Under 40

June 16, 2010 - PRLog -- July 16, 2010 - (Greenwich, CT) Girls Inc. of Southwestern CT announces that Executive Director and CEO, Adrienne Wallace was selected by a panel of distinguished judges as an honoree of The Fairfield County 2010 “40 Under 40”.

Several states in the Northeast rank their 40 top business leaders each year. The 2010 - 40 Under 40 is sponsored by the Fairfield County Business Journal.  The competition recognizes 40 distinct business professionals under the age of 40 years for their exceptional leadership qualities, impact on their organizations, commitment to professional development and personal achievements setting them apart from their peers.  This honor involves several area chambers of commerce recognizing rising young executive managers in Fairfield County companies and nonprofits.

It is the sixth installment of the awards, which recognize area businesspeople under age 40 as chosen by nine area chambers of commerce and business groups, including:
• The Bridgeport Regional Business Council and affiliate organizations;
• The Business Council of Fairfield County;
• The Darien Chamber of Commerce;
• The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce;
• The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce;
• The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce;
• The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce;
• The Stamford Chamber of Commerce; and
• The Westport Chamber of Commerce.

Adrienne Wallace, a tenured marketing executive with a history of achievements in the consumer marketing and advertising agency space, at Time Warner, and in media and brand consulting, has been instrumental in building recognition in Southwestern CT for Girls Inc., a top 100 non-profit brand.  She has expanded the organization’s impact and presence in Fairfield County.

In being asked to help run the organization as CEO; after serving on the Board for almost two years, Ms. Wallace has brought innovation, expanded corporate sponsorships, media recognition and  new programs to the organization. She has built and strategized partnerships with retailers, manufacturers, schools and other non-profits as well as developed a unique and unchallenged social media practice policy and standards now adopted by Girls Inc.’s national office as a model for 96 affiliates across the United States and Canada. All of this while refining operating and  program infrastructure and leading 23 employees in the 146 years old organization.

Recently, Ms. Wallace married the non-profit, Girls Inc. of  SWCT and for profit world  to accomplish a  program side missive  for the organization by developing a STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with the Bridgeport public high schools and eight Fairfield County employers including Fairfield County industry leaders like Covidien and Vitas.  Ms. Wallace named the program Growth Through Transformation, girls ages 15 – 18 get six months of concentrated Allied Health training and learning as an extension of their school day.  The students, who Ms. Wallace directs should be called “scholars” by everyone, are placed in work study for 20 hours a week with one of the eight companies during the summer for which they are paid a stipend.

A reception and awards ceremony for the 2010 Fairfield County 40 Under 40 awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 17 at the University of Connecticut Stamford, which is sponsoring the event along with supporting sponsors ConnectiCare Inc. and People’s United Bank. The Fairfield County Business Journal is publishing a special insert chronicling the recipients’ achievements.

Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization, the original Girls Club of America, with roots dated back to 1864 and the Southwestern Connecticut office is being the original building where it all began.  Girls Inc. of Southwestern Connecticut offers services from lower Greenwich and mid Fairfield County up to the Greater Waterbury area and provides vital educational and social programs to girls.  Girls Inc.’s, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.  The organization’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

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Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.