Charitable Powerhouse

Frank "Buddy" Gadams ('93) is a charitable powerhouse, whose interests cover a continuum from the fine arts to marathon running to international health issues to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

His legion of volunteer efforts was heralded by Inside Business: The Hampton Roads Business Journal when he was selected for the magazine's annual "Top 40 Under 40" list, which honors 40 individuals for business acumen, personal achievement and dedication to the greater community. The modest Gadams says, "I felt great honor to be put in the same category as other selected members of the community."

Inside Business chose Gadams for his many notable achievements and contributions. From 1998 to 2001, he served as president of the Chrysler Museum's For Art's Sake support group, an organization that promotes art and culture for the Chrysler Museum and Hampton Roads. Under his tenure as president, the group raised more than $55,000 through fund-raising operations and annual events. During this time, Gadams also served as manager of the Eco-Challenge team for Operation Smile International, a worldwide organization that provides reconstructive surgery and related health care to underprivileged children and adults. Gadams helped raise money for Operation Smile through events such as the 1997 international Des Sables marathon in Morocco, where he joined other runners in a race across the Sahara desert. Gadams helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity in 1998, and formerly served as a merit badge counselor for the Boys Scouts of America.

Since being named to the "Top 40" list, Gadams has been appointed regional vice-president for ING, a company that sells wholesale investment products to brokerage firms. And he keeps expanding his portfolio of interests. He is assisting in the renovation of historic homes in the Norfolk vicinity.

"It can be a difficult project at times," he says, "because you must sift through the red tape of both state and federal government agencies to protect these antiquated buildings." His current project involves restoring a large 1910 apartment complex, which will be gutted and renovated into condominiums.

In October 2000, Gadams married alumna Jennifer Kelsey ('92) after meeting her through a blind date that was set up by another alumnus. Jennifer and the "Top 40" powerhouse live in Williamsburg.

Marisa Domenech ('01)