Showtime for Top Women
Chicago – A parade of ‘Rising Stars’ and ‘Business Excellence” award honorees descended on Chicago this week to help advance the role of women in the industry.
More than 200 industry professionals – predominantly women, but not exclusively – attended the opening night gala Wednesday. On Thursday, the attendees – winners, sponsors, allies and assorted others -- turn their attention to seminars, speeches and strategies.
HBSDealer Associate Publisher Amy Grant described the Chicago proceedings as high-powerd and high energy. “This event has been two years in the making and we are truly impressed by the industry’s support,” she said.
“We can’t stress enough that our mission here has two parts,” Grant explained. “Encourage women to enter the industry and, of course, stay in the industry. And to help them find the people or the resources to advance their careers. And we do that not just because it’s the right thing, but also because diversity is great for business, and it’s good for the industry.”
Speakers and presenters at the Chicago Top Women event include Sarah Alter, CEO of the Network of Executive Women; Jean Fahy, building materials manager at Do it Best Corp.; Alison Dowell, general manager of Emery Jensen; Evionne Silver, VP of install business at Builders FirstSource; and Jean Niemi, True Value senior VP of marketing and communications.
The 2021 honorees in each of the categories are listed below.
Business excellence: Award recognizes a leader who has demonstrated achievement, growth and success in the hardware and home improvement industry; embraced education and community service, and inspired others to follow a similar path.”
Judy Dinelle, Building Ambassador, 84 Lumber
Margi Harney, VP, IT, Beacon Building Products
Gina Cashner, Branch Manager, Beacon Building Products
Susan Kunkel, Big Johns Building
Alison Steckowski, Millwork Specialist, Builders FirstSource
Jeanine Froke VP of Marketing, Builders FirstSource
Courtney Bynum, Director of Customer Experience, Cameron Ashley Building Products
Nina DeMarie, Vice President, IT, Cameron Ashley Building Products
Bethany Doss, Business Manager, Capital Lumber
Jaime Maloney, President, Costello's Ace Hardware
Sunny Bowman, Owner, Dakota County Lumber
Shannon Bearman, IT Project Manager / PSM, Do it Best Corp.
Carolyn Epstein, CFO, Dr. Ike’s Home Centers
Debby Stinebaugh, Sr. Account Manager, Epicor Software
Nikki Long, Business Unit Director, Structural Products, FastenMaster
Katrina Ralston, President, Feeney Inc.
Abby Levy, Sr. Manager Marketing, Metabo HPT
Christine Pepitone, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, H2 Brands Group
Renee Heuser, Owner, Heuser Ace Hardware
Tammy Rubin, VP and CFO, Hughes Lumber Co.
Sue Lords, Chief Human Capital Officer, Kodiak Building Partners
Allison Low, Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager, LP Building Solutions
Penney Luhrs, Owner, Luhrs True Value
Kelley McFadden, Buyer, Power Tools & Accessories, LMC
Carmen Arguelles, Vice President, Marjam Supply Co
Tina Pape, Operations Leader , Nation's Best Holdings LLC
Donna Souligne, Owner, Remington True Value
Sue Fusek, CEO, Ron's Home and Hardware
Molly Bellm, Inventory Analyst, RP Lumber Co
Melissa Karlovitch, Group Vice President, GreatStar Tools USA
Maria Ford, President, North America Commercial & Industrial Sales, Stanley Black & Decker
Jean Fahy, Building materials division manager, Do it Best Corp.
Shavonne Clark, Senior manager, marketing, The Home Depot Rental
Susan Thorne, Owner, Thorne Lumber Co.
Alexandria Lavaroni, Treat's General Store
Holly Kutcher, Director- National DIY Sales, UFP Industries
Wendy Whiteash, CHRO & EVP Culture, US LBM
Lawanna Dendy, Director, HRBP, Southeast Region and DEI Champion, US LBM
Wendy Minichiello, EWP Sales Director - North America, Weyerhaeuser Co
Julie Jensen, Outside Sales Account Manager, White Cap Construction Supply
Evionne Silver Vice President Install Business, Builders FirstSource
Sara Eller, Vice President of Marketing, Cameron Ashley Building Products
Jean Niemi, sr. VP marketing and communications, True Value
Susan Kasko, director talent development, 84 Lumber
Lita Abele, CEO, U.S. Lumber
Rising stars: “Award recognizes a talented professional with the potential to make a significant positive difference within her company and within the industry for years to come.”
Narcisa Cuatlatl, Inventory Manager, Ashby Lumber
Leigh Hudspeth, Director Specialty Products, BlueLinx Corporation
Ashley Gray, Outside Sales Representative, Builders FirstSource
Stacy Andersen-Bivona, VP, Nebraska Builders Warehouse, Inc.,
Jaclyn Kueny, Merchandising Manager, DecksDirect
Margaret Clark, Edward T. Clark & Sons
Alison Dowell President and General Manager, Emery Jensen Distribution
Sally Paul, Manager, Frontier Building Supply
Stephanie Barrios, Sales, Ganahl Lumber
Shanna West, Manager / Owner, H & H Home & Hardware
Rachel Hoops, Trader - Components Sales, LMC
Sarah Dodd, SVP Merchandising and Private Brands, Lowes
Sherry Pearson, Manufacturing Lead Lyman Companies, Carpentry Contractors Co.
Lisa Barrett, Director, Merchandising, McCoy's Building Supply
Lauren Melancon Guidry, co-owner, Melaco Sisters Hardware & Supplies
Vanessa Pierce, co owner, Melaco Sisters Hardware & Supplies
Mackenzie Hare, National Account Manager, Milwaukee Tool
Corinne Courtney, Owner, Nailed It! Hardware
Jackie Marable, Director of Retail Services, Orgill, Inc.
Lindsey DiGangi, Corporate Marketing Manager, PLM Mutual Insurance Co.
Julie Moser. General Manager, Ridout Lumber Company
Heather Young, Components Plant Manager Shelly’s Building Supply
Tara Tansky, Regional Sales Vice President, Stanley Black & Decker
Wendy Stine, President, Stine Lumber
Allyssa Lett, national account manager, UFP
Keirstan Kure, Digital channel manager, Parksite
For more information on the Top Women event, visit the event website here.
