Before joining the company in 2001, Frances served in leadership positions in the Charlotte region nonprofit community for 25 years:

• As a program manager at The Lynnwood Foundation soon after its creation, she supervised the implementation of initial funding strategies, which led to the highly successful grand opening and the establishment of a major donor base. Her primary work with The Lee Institute focused on developing a nationally recognized regional leadership program, the American Leadership Forum. She coordinated the development of a funding strategy for the new program, traveling throughout the region to secure grants and scholarships and solicit nominations for this prestigious program.
  
• As the executive director of The Charlotte World Affairs Council for nine years, Frances led the Council in growing its budget and membership base six-fold. The World Citizen Award Dinner, begun in 1990 during her tenure, has been recognized as one of the premier special events in Charlotte.

As a community leader, Frances has been very active. She served as treasurer of the Junior League of Charlotte and co-chaired the League capital campaign for its headquarters expansion. She was the first chair of the Council for Children, a past chair of Youth Homes, Inc., and past board member of KinderMourn, the Mayor’s International Cabinet and the Charlotte World Trade Association. She served on the board of Community Works of the United Way of Central Carolinas and is currently on the board of Sharon Towers.