Amherst, New York ~ Tim O’Shei, contributing editor for Business First, writes, “It’s an indisputable fact: The vast majority of Western New York’s larges, most visible, successful and profitable companies are run by executives in their 40s, 50s, 60s and older… Who are the next leaders?… When we solicited nominations for 30 Under 30, we were overwhelmed by the response. Dozens of nominations poured in, mostly from managers and executives eager to recognize their rising stars. If our in-house committee could have chosen a field of 60, we would have. But, alas, the magic number was 30, and we’re proud to present them to you.”
The October 12 edition of Business First featured the chosen 30 and it is with great pleasure to announce that Adoption STAR’s very own, Zachary Fried, made this inaugural class of 30 Under 30 winners!
Zack began his career with Adoption STAR, a local NYS Authorized non-profit adoption agency, as a guest speaker at the agency’s adoptive parent education classes while he was a high school student. In 2009 he began working as a part-time Intake Worker and Receptionist where he quickly learned the policies, practices and programs of Adoption STAR and easily communicated that information to prospective adoptive families. Zack was promoted to the position of Client Relationship Manager and supervisor of administrative staff. He is also a licensed Notary Public for New York State. In his position as CRM, Zack crosses over into various agency departments including the Adoptive Parent, Birth Parent, Administrative/Office, Development and Executive teams. A graduate of the Dale Carnegie program, Zack is both an accomplished speaker and writer. He has been published in the My Viewpoint column of The Buffalo News and his written workshop proposals continue to be accepted each year by several national conferences. A natural educator, Zack is a facilitator of community-wide adoption orientation sessions and adoptive parent home study education classes. Zack is also the facilitator of A.C.E. (Adoption Circle of Experience), a community support group for adult adoptees.
Zack is an invited community speaker at WNY schools providing insight and education about adoption to various student age groups and their classroom teachers. He has been personally invited to speak at national conferences.
Zack is a passionate advocate and personal expert on adoption. His ease and willingness to share his story and knowledge in both professional and community settings bring increased awareness and understanding of adoption to the community at large. He is a positive role model for both the students and prospective adoptive parents he speaks to and interacts with through his agency position as CRM and as a community speaker. His dedication and strong work ethic is a positive example for his co-workers and the staff he directly supervises.
Zack’s supervisor, Lori Craig, nominated him for this award and shares; “Zack has achieved significant recognition as an adoption professional not only under the age of 30 but under the age of 25! He is a rising star in the adoption field and deserves to be honored as one of Buffalo Business First 30 Under 30 honorees.”
To read Zack’s profile in Bufalo Business First’s “30 Under 30” edition, please click here.