My Catawba County
5Q: Tracy Hall
Our latest 5Q is with someone who gets to play with alligators and stingrays at work. Nope, she’s not the new Crocodile Hunter; she’s Catawba Science Center Executive Director Tracy Hall. During her years living in Catawba County, Tracy has impacted many students and continues to through the Science Center. Read on to learn what she had to say when we asked her our 5Q.
What are the chief responsibilities of your role?
My duties include leading the Catawba Science Center staff, board and volunteers to fulfill our mission to change lives and inspire learning through science and wonder. Reporting to the Board of Directors, I am responsible for CSC’s strategic and operational administration, plus the creation of institutional vision, exhibit experiences, resource development, collaborations, and team leadership for CSC’s growth and success.
What is your vision for the community, and how are you working to achieve it?
My vision for our community is to have a plan for smart growth that places an importance on quality of life for the residents in our community. Priorities should include providing great experiences with a focus on education, the arts, outdoor experiences, and health and wellness. I would like to see a higher level of educational attainment, which can provide a more skilled workforce to ensure the success of area businesses. The Catawba Science Center is a destination for school groups from 24 counties across western North Carolina and provides fun educational experiences for families to engage in science activities. Through our work at CSC and the partnerships that we develop, we can achieve these goals to make our community a wonderful place to live
What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do, and why?
I love working at the Catawba Science Center! I get to work with a wonderful team who are passionate about science and providing positive experiences for our visitors. I get to work with leaders in the arts, education, business, and government. I can pet a stingray or hold an alligator. I get to see the joy and excitement on children’s faces as they experience science exhibits, interact with an animal, or see a dinosaur for the first time. I feel like the work I get to do every day leaves a lasting impression and provides a positive impact on our region.
On a personal note, what do you love about living in Catawba County?
I have lived all over the country in many wonderful places and Catawba County has the best qualities of all of those locations. It is a safe, affordable, friendly community with little or no traffic, is close to the mountains, and only a few hours to the ocean. We have great amenities (museums, theaters, symphony, etc.) and wonderful outdoor hiking and camping experiences. We are close to Charlotte, Asheville, Winston Salem and Boone. I have made lifelong friends and have gotten to work with many amazing people. It has truly been the perfect place to raise our children.
What is the best advice you've been given, and how has it made a difference for you?
My parents encouraged me to give my best effort, to be kind, and to have fun and enjoy what I am doing. This advice has been the driving force in every position and role I have had throughout my life.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:
First job? Recreation Coordinator for a Community Center in Sacramento, California
Favorite place in Catawba County? The Catawba Science Center of course!
Hobby? Anything that can embrace my creativity!
Most-watched movie? The Holiday, my must see movie during the holidays.
What are you currently reading? Nothing at the moment – no time, but I love true crime and a good mystery!
