Hartford Business Journal

24 Hartford Business Journal • July 20, 2015 www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 Under Forty 2015 40 Under Forty 2015 Jacquelynn Garofano A s a senior research scientist at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) Jacquelynn "Jackie" Garofano works to solve technical chal- lenges and develop new technologies for the aerospace and building industries within United Technologies. Her academic and professional career has been marked by numerous honors and achievements that have been amplified by her passion for philanthropy, volunteerism and community service. Garofano serves as the coordinator/com- munications liaison for the UTRC United Way campaign. In this role, her personal contributions and leadership in organizing and executing UTRC's signature fundrais- ing events had a direct impact on the organi- zation's outstanding 2014 campaign results. She is also an active member of the United Way's Women's Leadership Council, an organization that aims to improve the lives of women and their families within Greater Hartford. Garofano is committed to sharing her enthusiasm for science with the next gener- ation in her role as an educational outreach specialist with CRISP, the NSF-funded Materials Research Science and Engineer- ing Center at Yale, and Southern Connecti- cut State University. She also serves as the coordinator for CRISP's research experi- ences for the undergraduates program. She is a Connecticut native, born and raised in Milford, and now lives in Prospect with her husband of eight years. Q&A Where do you get your motivation to succeed? My motivation to succeed is innate. As a self-proclaimed over-achiever, I am driven to take on new challenges, strive for the very best and to make a difference as a global citizen. In 30 years, why should Hartford Business Journal give you a Lifetime Achievement award? I would like to believe that I will accomplish great things in the next 30 years personally, professionally and philan- thropically. For this, a Lifetime Achievement award for dedicated service to improve the lives of those within our local and global community would mean a great deal. If you could have four traveling companions (alive or dead, real or fictional) throughout your life's journey, who would you pick? My four traveling companions along my life's journey are: my husband, Rob, of course; Robert Downey Jr. (preferably as Tony Stark/Iron Man) and Dave Matthews with his incredible music and unlimited supply of Dreaming Tree wines, with Morgan Free- man to narrate an awesome life. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passion- ate about ...Taking on new challenges and setting new goals for myself such as becoming a runner and a triathlete What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Two years ago my husband and I traveled to Niagara Falls and experiencing the power of the falls was incredible. Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Alaska is on my bucket list. I have always wanted to see the northern lights amidst a clear night sky and the beauty of Alaska's untouched wilderness. Favorite Connecticut destination: Hiking in Connecticut state parks in autumn during the foliage. Garofano about to start the Closer to Free ride, which raises money for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. Age: 31 Title: Senior Research Scientist Company: United Technologies Research Center Location: East Hartford Hometown: Prospect College: University of Connecticut (Ph.D. and Master's Degree) and Southern Connecticut State University (undergraduate) Garofano's favorite city is Boston. Ryan T. Gardner A s one of Fiduciary Investment Advisor's founding partners, Ryan Gardner has played a key role in the overall development and growth of the firm. Since its 2006 inception, FIA has grown into one of the largest retirement plan consulting firms in the country. Gardner serves as head of FIA's defined contribution practice, which is comprised of more than 200 clients. FIA's work in the retirement plan market- place has been recognized over the years, including: 2009 Retirement Plan Advisor Team of the Year Award by PlanSponsor magazine and Top 100 Retirement Plan Advis- ers (2010-2015) by PlanAdviser magazine. Outside of FIA, Gardner remains active within the community, serving on the board of directors for Riverfront Recapture and its finance and human resources committee. Previously, Gardner served on the board of directors and investment committee for the Greater Hartford Jaycees. Gardner and his wife, Erin, live in South Glastonbury with their three children, Ellie, Kenlee and Easton. Q&A What is the best thing someone would say about your career thus far? Work hard and persevere, the rest will take care of itself. If there is one person whose life and career you want to imitate, who would it be? There is no one person, but rather many whose lives and work I admire. These influences help to guide and shape my decisions. If you could place one item in a time capsule to be opened 500 years from now, what would it be? My cell phone (assuming the battery would last that long). There are few other objects that could capture so much information about our society and culture all at once. Another 500 years from now, those opening the time capsule would be given a glimpse into our daily lives, current events, celebrations, struggles and other factors shaping the world around us. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about….Watching my kids grow up Favorite foreign food: Sushi What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Alaska Favorite Connecticut destination: Niantic Gardner stands on a land bridge in Aruba with his children Ellie and Kenlee. Age: 36 Title: Principal and Senior Consultant Company: Fiduciary Investment Advisors LLC Location: Windsor Hometown: South Glastonbury College: University of Hartford Gardner oversees $30 billion in fiduciary assets.

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