The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo has hired GINA RAPASADI, of Clay, as director of philanthropy. She is responsible for cultivating and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders to build effective strategies and sustainable revenue for major gifts in support of the zoo’s mission and strategic plan. Originally from Canastota, Rapasadi attended Plattsburgh University for event planning. Two years into her degree, however, the major was changed to hotel restaurant tourism management. She adapted to the change and while she garnered a unique set of skills, she knew hotel and restaurant management was not her passion. After college, Rapasadi began working at the Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse, where she spent 17 years. She started her career in that nonprofit’s development department — steadily working her way up, taking over events and volunteer services. While incredibly passionate about her work with the Rescue Mission, she knew it was time to start the next chapter in her life. As a zoo member, Rapasadi and her son have been frequent zoo visitors for years.