Women in Business: Zelda Parson

Residence: Springdale

Education: B.S.B.A., accounting and data processing, University of Arkansas

Professional background: After graduating from college, Parson began her career working in the finance department for the city of Fayetteville and went on to work in financial and executive leadership roles with three Northwest Arkansas companies. Parson became the chief financial officer for nonprofits Jones Trust and The Jones Center for Families in 2012.

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? It all started during a high school accounting course where I found satisfaction in working with numbers and balancing accounts. In my current role, I may not spend a lot of time balancing debits and credits, but I still enjoy problem-solving and collaborating with others on meaningful projects.

What was your dream job as a kid and why? I started out wanting to be a teacher. Even though that was not to be my career, I still enjoy opportunities to train and mentor others.

What’s the most important aspect of achieving a balance between your career and your family? This was a challenge when my son was young. But over time with the support of my husband, we managed to make it work. I found family vacations to be a special way to make memories and help offset the normal work week where there is often not enough family time.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Work hard, stay focused and never give up on your dreams.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? I think it is always rewarding to be part of a project implementation or company turnaround. While I have been fortunate to be involved in several interesting projects throughout my career, my most recent adventure with The Jones Center has been such an awesome experience. It has been fun to be a part of implementing a new business model and putting in place systems and financing to achieve sustainability for the organization.

I love that the center has become such an important part of the downtown revitalization in my hometown of Springdale. The increase in number and quality of recreation programs and the diversity of how the space is used is truly fantastic.

Do you feel like we’re getting closer to gender equality in the workplace? I have been very fortunate that in most of my positions I have felt valued and treated as an equal member of predominately male leadership teams. I know that is not the case for all women in business, and especially regarding pay equality. I believe life is too short to stay in a situation where you are not respected and happy. Therefore, I encourage all women in business to continue to stand up for themselves and be an advocate for equality in the workplace.

How do you spend your time away from work — if there is such a thing? What are your hobbies? I love to play golf, read and spend time at the beach.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? While I don’t have anything definite planned, I always love a challenge and being a part of something meaningful.

What are three words you would use to describe yourself? Honest, loyal and dedicated.

What qualities do you feel are most important in a company leader? Honesty, integrity, work ethic and vision.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? I learned early on how important it was to find a mentor appropriate for whatever role I was in. My first mentor was Dr. Doris Cook, one of my accounting professors. She was truly an inspiration. She was the first female CPA in Arkansas and the first full-time female professor in the UA accounting department.

My current role is my first experience with nonprofit organizations, and I have been blessed to have Ed Clifford as a mentor. I am so grateful that he brought me to The Jones Center. He is such a visionary leader, and I feel I have learned a great deal from him.

What’s the first thing you do at the office each morning? I’m a morning person, so I like to get in early, check and answer email, and plan my day.

What time do you get up on workday mornings? Between 5:30 and 5:45 a.m.

What’s your favorite app at the moment? I am still a big Facebook fan. There is something about taking a peek into other people’s lives and sharing experiences with friends that keeps me clicking on that app.