NextGen: the future

South Florida CEO,  Nov, 2004  by Rochelle Broder-Singer

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An Opportunity Grabbed: Gazzolo was an enthusiastic advocate for launching Nickelodeon and the new VH1 channel in Latin America.

What His Parents Tell People He Does: "My father tells friends that I am a big-shot executive. My mother comes from an entrepreneurial family of Salvadorans, and she just says. 'My son sells televisions.'"

Jessica Goldman-Srebnick, 34

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Current Position: Chief Operating Officer--Hotels, Goldman Properties

Background: The daughter of South Beach hotel pioneer Tony Goldman spent five years working for retailer Saks Fifth Avenue before striking out on her own. She applied to business school when her mother, a successful entrepreneur herself, suggested she earn a "Tony Goldman business degree" instead. Goldman-Srebnick now runs the hospitality and human resources divisions of her father's company.

The Future: A new hotel concept in New York and a venture in Miami, and new business lines including art. "My goals for myself are to find balance," says the mother of two young children. "And from a personal standpoint, being a strong member of the community."

Key Choice: Joining the family business. "I'm fortunate to be able to learn from one of the brightest businessmen that I know, who only wants me to be successful. How's that for having someone on your team?"

What Her Father Tells People She Does: "She's my partner," Goldman-Srebnick says.

Kristina Hebert, 33

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Current Position: Vice President of Operations, Ward's Marine Electric Inc.

Background: "The marine industry has been a part of my life since I was a very small child," says Hebert, whose grandfather founded the company her father now runs. She started off developing the company's information technology and online presence.

The Future: Now she also oversees computerized manufacturing, marketing and trade shows, and is spearheading national legislation for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. The company doubled in size last year, but Hebert says she "just would like to see each segment of our company grow to its potential."

Key Choice: "I didn't go away to school with the intention to come back and work for my family," Hebert says. "But now I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

The Career That Might Have Been: "I was a pre-law major, but my family decided that they'd rather see me with the company," she says.

Daniel J. Liebl, 39

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Current Position: Assistant Professor, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami School of Medicine

Background: The developmental molecular biologist and his nine-member team are working on ways to regenerate nervous systems damaged by spinal cord injury.

The Future: "To basically advance the field. We all talk about finding a cure ... I want to become one component of that," Liebl says. He also hopes to become a full professor at UM. Down the road, Liebl may follow his mother's example and do missionary work.