Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Dallas for 2022. Dallas, first granted a town by the Texas legislature in 1856, has a rich history of women leaders who have paved the way for the city’s success. It was the women of Dallas who had been in the forefront of movements in Texas for reform in child-welfare practices, pure food and drink legislation, sanitation, and other causes. Women like Juanita Craft, the first Black woman in Dallas County to vote in a public election, smashed barriers of inequality demanding an equal opportunity for women and people of color through the organization of protests and pickets. Years before Ms. Craft, strong and dedicated women of this city sparked a movement with the Dallas Garment Workers’ Strike, demanding fair and decent wages for their professions. Although unsuccessful at the time, their fight undoubtedly had an impact on creating equal opportunities for today’s leaders. This year’s awardees are continuing the legacy of women leadership for the city.
Among our awardees are Janet Robertson, the Vice President of Digital Enterprise Systems for Collins Aerospace, who uses her 20+ years of experience to lead a large global digital team that supports the organization’s full suite of enterprise applications; Musi Lee, the Vice President of the Autism At Work Office of Disability Inclusion for JPMorgan Chase & Co, who works tirelessly creating and executing strategies to develop a talent pipeline for the individuals on the Autism Spectrum; and Dee Amos, the Vice President of Communications & Marketing of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, who works through the ever-changing challenges of travel in today’s world.
We applaud these women for their hard work and dedication to the organizations they serve. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Dallas for 2022.
1. Maria Lensing
McKesson
Maria Lensing is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Infrastructure, Engineering and Operations for McKesson Corporation. Lensing is responsible for developing McKesson’s technology stack vision, strategy, and architecture. Her responsibilities also include a strong focus on engineering design and operational excellence to optimize performance levels.
Prior to McKesson, Maria served for several years at AT&T where she held several leadership roles across technology, business and strategy. She is actively involved in many local and national nonprofits and is on the board for Orbis International, a director for the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) and a trustee for CBU. She has received many awards and recognitions for her work, including 2021 Corporate CTO by Tech Titans of North Texas, 100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders in Technology in 2021 and 2020 by HITEC, the 2019 Women in Business by the Dallas Business Journal and the Top 12 Latina Corporate Executive of the year in 2018 by Latina Style, Inc. Lensing is fluent in English and Spanish and resides in Dallas. She completed her Executive Education from Harvard Business School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Christian Brothers University.
3. Musi Lee
JPMorgan Chase
Musi Lee is the Vice President of the Autism At Work Office of Disability Inclusion for JPMorgan Chase & Co. The Office of Disability Inclusion (ODI) develops and implements a comprehensive strategy to provide programs, products and services to meet the unique needs of the disability community in the areas of employment, acclimation and development, and small businesses in hiring a diverse slate, through various programs within the firm, including the JPMC Autism At Work program. As the Head of Autism At Work in Latin and North America Regions, Lee is responsible for creating and executing strategies to develop a talent pipeline for the individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Lee’s additional responsibilities include establishing partnerships with regional autism organizations, academia, research institutes and vendor relations; creating and driving efficient processes and helping augment internal recruiting and on-boarding processes. She also ensures best practices for training of managers, recruiters, and colleagues to support employees on the Autism spectrum.
Lee has been with the bank for 16 years and is a member of various Business Resource Groups at the firm, whose mission revolve around Employee Accessibility, Disability Inclusion and Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Raising a son with a hidden disability during these unprecedented times of the pandemic and endemic of the social injustice has amplified her “why” in her profession, where her purpose and passion intersect. She is currently a PhD student pursuing a doctorate in public policy, concentrating in social policy.
6. Sarah Rodriguez
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Sarah Rodriguez is a Principal of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), focused in the Energy and Chemicals sector. PwC's purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. PwC operates as a network of firms in 156 countries with over 295,000 people who are committed to delivering quality through both Consulting Solutions and Trust Solutions. Rodriguez serves in the role of Lead Client Partner to a Fortune 500 company and focuses on delivering holistic Transformation solutions to her clients, particularly the Office of the CFO.
Rodriguez has served in a number of executive positions, including US Chemicals Consulting Leader. With 25 years of experience, Rodriguez specializes in creating sustainable shareholder value through a variety of solutions including: strategy development and articulation, portfolio and customer profitability analysis, merger integration, organization/ business process optimization, and identification/ development of supporting technology solutions. The majority of Rodriguez’s experience is with large-scale, global Energy and Chemicals companies. She has worked across the manufacturing value chain from in-plant operations to supply and trading to marketing/ retail management and nearly all back office support processes. Her international experience includes Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Rodriguez earned an undergraduate degree in finance from Baylor University - Hankamer School of Business and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder.
7. Chelby Sanders
CBRE
Chelby Sanders began her professional career 29 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Vice President with CBRE’s Advisory & Transaction Services group in Dallas, where she co-leads a successful tenant representation team. CBRE Group, a commercial real estate services and investment firm, is one of the largest commercial real estate service companies in the world.
In 1992 Sanders served as a VP at Morgan Stanley. From there, she went on to Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, before eventually rising to VP of Americas Brokerage at Jones Lang LaSalle, her most recent position prior to joining CBRE. Over her career, she has negotiated over 40 million sq. ft. of client engagements worth over $4 billion in consideration. Sanders graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
9. Brandy Ferguson
Scout Energy Partners
Brandy Ferguson is Vice President of Human Resources for Scout Energy Partners, an institutionally-backed private energy investment firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Scout is one of the largest private investment firms in Dallas, managing nearly $4 billion in assets on behalf of primarily non-profit investors including endowments, foundations and retirement plans. Ferguson is responsible for Scout’s human capital, including establishing strategy and executing all human resources initiatives, as well as serving as an integral participant on the firm’s senior executive team.
Previously, Ferguson served as director of human resources and corporate initiatives for Authentix, an international technology firm backed by PE sponsor Carlyle. Also prior to joining Scout, she managed her own consulting practice working with clients in the areas of human resources and organizational management, specializing in high-growth entrepreneurial enterprises in a variety of industries. Ferguson is a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP), is a Magna Cum Laude alumna of Southern Methodist University with an undergraduate degree in psychology, and has been certified by Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion Certification.
10. Janet Robertson
Collins Aerospace
Janet Robertson is the Vice President of Digital Enterprise Systems for Collins Aerospace. In preparation for a large merger with Rockwell Collins, Robertson started in mid-2018 with UTC Aerospace Systems as VP of Digital Transformation. Her mission with UTC was to bridge the industry and organization from traditional IT legacy business systems into a digital transformation through automation and cutting-edge technological strategies. Robertson now leads a large global digital team that support Collins Aerospace’s full suite of enterprise applications, externally facing customer and supplier portals, and delivers software engineering/development across the company.
Prior to Collins, Robertson worked with AT&T to support their Business Digital Transformation and Digital First program. From there, she moved into the Business Strategy Execution Office, orchestrating business priorities and driving strategic initiatives to meet the overall business financial plan. In her 20+ year career, Robertson has experience in a variety of industries and environments including technology infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services, retail and consumer products, and industrial supply chain. She has led several large transformation programs for PepsiCo, 7-11 Corporate, the Department of Treasury, and AT&T. Robertson holds a Project Management Professional Certification and an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering and distribution from Texas A&M University.
12. Tina Pangle
Insight Enterprises
Tina Pangle is the Vice President of Digital Transformation and Global COE at Insight Enterprises. Insight is a Fortune 500, industry-recognized solutions integrator with 11,500 teammates worldwide dedicated to accelerating the digital journey to modern business. Solving the most vexing technology challenges, Insight has the distinct ability to meet clients today at their greatest digital pain points, guiding them through holistic, end-to-end transformation to reach tomorrow’s most ambitious business goals. Rated as a Forbes World’s Best Employer and a Great Place to Work, Insight amplifies its solutions and services with global scale, local expertise and a world-class e-commerce experience built on 33 years of IT supply chain connections with the world’s leading and emerging technology providers.
During her 30 years with the company, Pangle has served in several leadership roles, helping Insight automate and improve process efficiencies, consolidate global ERP systems spanning several strategic acquisitions, and establish a world-class global PMO framework recognized for driving business value through modernization. In her current role, Pangle oversees delivery of key strategic initiatives to advance the company’s ever-evolving digital transformation and the expansion of near- and off-shore capabilities. Pangle is devoted to putting people first, driving innovation by encouraging original and unconventional thinking from her team, and serving as a champion of gender equity in technology. She is an executive board member of Take the Lead, an advisory board member of Women Executive Channel Advisory Network (WECAN) and the executive advisor of Women With Insight, the company’s 850-member teammate resource group promoting diversity and inclusion, women in leadership, networking, mentorship and allyship.
View the complete list of awardees.
13. Kim Pacheco
Lockton Dunning Benefits
Kim Pacheco is a Vice President, Chief of Staff with Lockton Dunning Benefits, focused on continued enhancement of services offered to clients, associates and communities. Lockton Dunning Benefits is the largest independent people solutions consulting group in Texas and specializes in the design, implementation, communication and year-round service of total rewards and health and welfare benefit plans. The company empowers associates to do whatever it takes to help their clients succeed, which has been one of many driving factors that excites Pacheco about her career with Lockton.
Pacheco first joined the company in 2007 as one of the first retirement practice associates. For twelve years, she helped build the retirement business and lead some of the largest and most complex client relationships. In 2019, she repurposed her vast background in consulting and managing internal operations to help expand the bandwidth of leadership to carry out key strategic business initiatives. She facilitates the progression of efforts by local and national leaders across Lockton’s people solutions business, aligning multiple stakeholders to drive decisions that propel growth. Pacheco’s passion for service helps foster long-term partnerships that are integral to Lockton’s success.
16. Sharlene Jenner
Vizient
Sharlene Jenner is the Associate Vice President of Marketing Technology and leads digital marketing and strategy at Vizient, Inc. Vizient is a leading health care performance improvement company based in Irving, Texas that builds holistic solutions through the alignment of cost, quality and market performance to help healthcare providers concentrate on providing high-quality care for their patients. She oversees the corporate digital presence, the demand generation operations and the overall marketing ecosystem.
Jenner is passionate about mentoring the next generation of digital leaders and teaches a course in Artificial Intelligence and Personalization at Southern Methodist University and serves as an advisor for University of Houston’s Bauer Mini-MBA program. Her key focus has been developing interactions through platforms and ecosystems that bridge gaps, create opportunities and help companies leverage their strengths for success in the digital world. Prior to Vizient, Jenner has worked in a variety of industries including with hotel/hospitality, consumer goods, small business, retail marketing, domestic manufacturing, and staffing. This diverse past gives her a unique perspective when it comes to translating marketing strategy to its digital components for all kinds of consumers. Jenner is a native Texan and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas - Dallas and an MBA from Texas A&M University - Commerce.
18. Dawn Robinson
PrimeLending A PlainsCapital Company
Dawn Robinson is the SVP and Southwest Regional Manager of PrimeLending A PlainsCapital Company. Since 1986, they have been helping neighbors and community members achieve their homeownership dreams. With over 2,500 dedicated mortgage experts, the team is able to deliver the service, support and guidance its home buyers deserve in a home loan process from application to closing and beyond. While things may change throughout the years, its dedication to their clients never does. Robinson has over 23 years of experience She began her career in 1999.
Robinson graduated from Southern Methodist University - Cox School of Business with an MBA in entrepreneurship and finance and from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
19. Joanne Moretti
Fictiv
Joanne Moretti is a Fortune 200 and Startup go-to-market executive. She has delivered double digit growth and significant brand equity for every company she has served. Today, she’s the Chief Revenue Officer for Fictiv, one of the fastest growing digital manufacturing companies in the world. Fictiv manages a global network of 250 highly vetted manufacturing partners that are connected through Fictiv’s cloud platform. The platform delivers high-precision manufacturing solutions to companies across multiple industries including advanced manufacturing, medical, consumer, automotive and aerospace. Fictiv serves mechanical engineers and supply chain leaders across multiple industries who want speed without compromising quality. Ultimately, Fictiv helps organizations improve engineering productivity, mitigate supply chain risk, and build better hardware, all at a fraction of the cost. Honeywell, Gecko Robotics, J&J, Tesla, TransMed7, NASA and thousands of other companies have received over 18 million mechanical parts through the Fictiv platform and counting.
Moretti is a proud mother of two, based in the DFW Metroplex. She mentors three young ladies regularly, speaks about STEM and business at Baylor, TCU and UT Austin, and operates The Butterfly Group on LinkedIn. She sits on startup boards, and enjoys investing in Texas-based, women-owned, startups.
21. Sheri Lawrence
Studio Movie Grill
Sheri Lawrence is the Vice President of Learning & Development for Studio Movie Grill. Conceived in 1993, Studio Movie Grill (SMG) was the first exhibitor to modernize the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with full-service, in-theater dining. SMG currently operates 19 locations in 7 states. Honoring its commitment to open hearts and minds, one story at a time, SMG’s legacy outreach programs include Special Needs Screenings and its loyalty program, SMG Access, which supports underserved community members. Conceived in 2018, SMG Access, in partnership with SMG Guests across the country, has earned over 44,000 free movies and meals. Lawrence has over 17 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.
Before joining Studio Movie Grill, Lawrence was a director of sales operations at Pegasus Logistics Group and before that a VP of sales at Profiles International.
22. Adrianne Court
Tealium
Adrianne Court began her professional career over 30 years ago. Today, she is the Chief HR Officer for Tealium where she leads all elements of HR and culture programs globally, including talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, learning & development, health & wellbeing, diversity & inclusion, and employee engagement. Tealium is the leading independent Customer Data Platform (CDP) provider for global enterprise customers who recognize the need for real-time and actionable customer data solutions.
Prior to joining Tealium, Adrianne was the chief HR officer for Alkami and was part of the leadership team to prepare for and bring them public (ALKT) in April 2021. Other organizations she has worked with include Caliber Home Loans, Jamba Juice and Transplace (Uber Freight). She graduated from Scripps College with a BA and from Southern Methodist University with a MA and completed course work toward a PhD in leadership studies at Dallas Baptist University. She is a co-author of Bravely She Flies, and is currently writing Conscious Culture: Think, Act, Connect to Inspire Uncommon Business Results.
24. Elizabeth Loboa
Southern Methodist University
Elizabeth Loboa has served as Southern Methodist University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs since 2020. Loboa brings a distinguished academic record and broad university leadership experience to her role. At SMU, she has successfully challenged community members to establish academic priorities for the next 3-5 years that will allow SMU to reach its full potential as a premier research and teaching university with global impact. As the university’s chief academic officer, she is responsible for the overall quality of teaching, scholarship and research and all aspects of academic life, ranging from admissions and faculty development to supervision of SMU’s eight schools, library system, international programs, and SMU's eight degree granting schools.
Prior to SMU, Loboa was the 11th dean of the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering and Ketcham Professor of the College of Engineering. She served as vice chancellor for strategic partnerships. She was the first woman to serve as the College of Engineering's dean. During her decanal administration, she oversaw more than 140 faculty members and approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Loboa previously served as associate chair and professor of the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, and as a professor of materials science and engineering at North Carolina State University. She received both her PhD in mechanical engineering and her master’s degree in biomechanical engineering from Stanford University and earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Davis.
26. Vanessa Ogle
Enseo
Vanessa Ogle is the Founder and CEO of Enseo. Enseo is the preferred in-room entertainment solution for the world's largest hotel groups. A Dish Network systems integrator, Enseo is the single source for all in-room entertainment needs, providing equipment, installation, services, and support. The complete solution includes free-to-guest content, hotel branding, robust guest features, and cloud-based management. Enseo has been recognized for excellence as one of the best Entrepreneurial Companies in America for three consecutive years by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Entrepreneur 360 List. Ogle has over 32 years of experience. She began her career in 1990.
Before founding Enseo, Ogle was a co-founder at Higher Hill Studios and before that a general manager at 3DFX Interactive Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with STB Systems as a VP. Ogle graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in business, marketing and Spanish.
View the complete list of awardees.
27. Maureen Martin
Dynatron
Maureen Martin is the Vice President of Client Retention & Strategy for Dynatron Software. She first joined the company in 2020 as director of strategy and business development. Dynatron software is the premier provider of automotive fixed operations data analytics, comparative insights, and expert coaching that drive quantifiable and sustainable ROI. They are changing the way that automotive dealerships look at their service department profitability and revenue streams. The company is laser focused on smart, easy, profit driven solutions for fixed operations and uncovering hidden opportunities for their over 2,500 dealership clients.
Martin has been recognized for over 35 years in automotive for cultivating strategic B2B relationships and transforming the client experience by harnessing the power of people, technology-enabled solutions and the women's market. Previously, Martin was a VP of strategic alliances at PRiME Women Media, senior director of alliances and national accounts for Service Repair Solutions and MPi, and before that a strategy and change management consultant as owner of AutoVisionary! Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Ford Motor Company as a senior manager. Martin throughout her career has served her community in non-profit leadership service for organizations like Girls Inc, Junior League of Dallas, Young Men's Service League, Girls Scouts, and Lewisville Independent School District. In the automotive industry Martin continues to be an advocate for performance, inclusion, and diversity and has served in leadership for Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation, Women's Automotive Association International, and Automotive Women's Network. Martin earned an undergraduate degree in marketing and computer information systems from Western Michigan University.
28. Rachel Sanchez
Prestige Maintenance USA
Rachel Sanchez is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Prestige Maintenance USA (PMUSA), a provider of scalable janitorial and facilities maintenance services using environmentally sustainable solutions. A second-generation owner of PMUSA, Sanchez grew up in the family business and knows how to drive growth while maintaining excellent customer service and her company’s world-class reputation. Sanchez utilizes her lifetime of experience to deliver solutions to the company’s diverse customer portfolio. With a broad knowledge of the intricacies of the industry, Sanchez has grown PMUSA into one of the largest woman-owned, family-owned, custodial and facilities maintenance companies in the nation. Under Sanchez ’s leadership, PMUSA provides services nationwide to Fortune 500 and mid-market clients in industries including commercial, education, retail, and distribution.
Sanchez is actively involved within the diverse supplier community and has been recognized for her leadership, aspiration to other women, and active role at the helm of PMUSA. She serves on the board of the Women’s Business Council Southwest. Sanchez obtained her degree from Collin College and completed the Graduate Finance Program at Southern Methodist University and the Tuck-WBENC Executive Program at Dartmouth. She also received designation as an International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) CIMS Certification Expert, giving her a keen eye in compliance as she leads PMUSA with the worldwide Cleaning Industry Management standard of excellence.
30. Cecilia Edwards
Wavestone
Cecilia Edwards began her professional career over 33 years ago. Today, she is a Partner of Wavestone. In a world where knowing how to drive transformation is the key to success, Wavestone's mission is to inform and guide large companies and organizations in their most critical transformations, with the ambition of a positive outcome for all stakeholders. Wavestone draws on over 3,000 employees across 9 countries. It is a leading independent player in European consulting.
Edwards first got her start in 1989 as a captain and titan satellite launch manager in the US Air Force. From there, she went on to The Boston Consulting Group before eventually rising to become a partner at Everest Group, her most recent position prior to joining Wavestone. Edwards graduated from the University of California - Berkeley, Haas School of Business with an MBA and from Smith College with an undergraduate degree in mathematics.
31. Kelly Harris
Metro One LPSG
Kelly Harris is the Chief People Officer for Metro One Loss Prevention Group. Metro One LPSG is the nation’s premier Loss Prevention and Security Organization. They are a rapidly growing organization focused on transforming the contract security industry with an environment that is dynamic and committed to “dedicated service delivery” to clients with a “best in class” employee experience for thousands of security and LP officers. Joining Metro One LPSG in 2020, Harris provides strategic executive leadership to the organization and leads the People Operations Center, human resources, talent acquisition, and learning & development teams. In addition, she spends time with Tarrant County College as an adjunct professor giving back to her profession by sharing her experience and teaching others about human resources, preparing, and mentoring them for future careers in this field.
Harris was with Brinks Home Security as a chief people officer prior to joining Metro One LPSG and with ADT Security Services before that leading all of their field HR activities. She began her professional career in retail with JCPenney with over 25 years of experience in merchandising, operations, and human resources. Harris has a unique understanding of how human resources, customer service, sales and operations can collaborate to help maintain a competitive advantage in any industry. Harris has a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Lindenwood University and an MBA in human resource management from the University of Phoenix.
32. Dawna Comeaux
Spire Hospitality
Dawna Comeaux began her professional career over 11 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Spire Hospitality. Spire Hospitality leads the way in innovative, comprehensive, and hands-on hotel management. Combining 35+ years of proven industry experience with collaborative and transparent leadership, an engaged culture of high-performance, and a focus on people, passion, and purpose, Spire is known for maximizing asset value while curating uniquely personalized, unforgettable guest experiences. Comeaux combines her goal-oriented, analytical approach with her belief in creating memorable experiences for Spire partners, employees, and guests alike, to ensure that the right people and processes are in place to elevate each hotel’s performance.
Comeaux has gained a wealth of knowledge and well-rounded experience over the past 30 years, leading sales, operations, and revenue management teams for some of the largest third-party hospitality management companies. In 2011 she served as an SVP of hotel operations at Pillar Hotels & Resorts. From there, she went on to Carson Hospitality Advisors as an independent consultant, her most recent position prior to joining Spire Hospitality. Comeaux graduated with an undergraduate degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Houston.
33. Jennifer Reed
Midlands Management
Jennifer Reed is the Vice President of Brokerage of Midlands Management Corp. Reed has overall responsibility for the Wholesale Brokerage Unit and also has a co-manager role with responsibilities and significant involvement with the administration, consulting and servicing operations of the Specialty Program Business unit. She joined Midlands in 2016 and has played a vital role in developing and expanding Midland’s agency base, product offerings and increased market share.
Reed has 20+ years of experience in the commercial lines insurance brokerage industry. Her entire career has been in the insurance brokerage business, both in the retail and wholesale segments of the brokerage industry. She has worked at top wholesale brokerages where she became a leading expert in commercial brokerage, contract underwriting, sales and business development. She started her career as a commercial account manager for an independent retail insurance agency. Reed has participated in numerous professional development programs throughout her career. She holds a General Lines Property and Casualty License and Surplus Lines Agent License. She received the Beyond Coverage Award in 2018 and she is a member of the Independent Insurance Associations of Dallas and Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association. Reed graduated with Honors from Texas Christian University.
34. Jennifer Carter
StandUp Wireless
Jennifer Carter has dedicated the last 10 years of her career to helping bridge the digital divide for low-income families connecting to essential broadband and telecom services. As Vice President of Operations and Chief Compliance Officer of StandUp Wireless, leadership depends on Carter’s compliance and industry expertise within the heavily regulated Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline service space.
Her extensive knowledge allows her to easily simplify and convert complexities such as federal regulations, compliance issues, and technical APIs into standard operational practices and procedures, making her an integral asset to StandUp Wireless' operations, marketing, and customer care teams. Carter is passionately driven and committed to ensuring that StandUp Wireless continues to connect hundreds of thousands of customers to family, employment opportunities, friends, and healthcare providers. Before joining StandUp Wireless in 2018, Carter served as director of compliance for two California-based mobile virtual network operators where she advised the executive team through challenging legalities of the Lifeline program.
36. Alexis Caldwell
Forbes
Alexis Caldwell is the Executive Director of Business Development and Partnerships of Forbes. Forbes Media is a global media, branding and technology company, with a focus on news and information about business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and affluent lifestyles. The company publishes Forbes, Forbes Asia, and Forbes Europe magazines as well as Forbes.com. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 94 million people worldwide with its business message each month through its magazines and 37 licensed local editions around the globe, Forbes.com, TV, conferences, research, social and mobile platforms. Caldwell has over 15 years in the publishing industry. She began her career in 2007.
Before joining Forbes, Caldwell served with LTK, formerly known as rewardStyle & LIKEtoKNOW.it, in several leadership roles including head of business and brand development, senior director of global development and director of affiliate marketing. Prior to that, she served as the VP of partnerships with Bounce Exchange. Earlier in her career she worked with SurfMyAds.com as a VP of global partnerships. Caldwell graduated from UC Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in history and Latin American & Iberian studies.
View the complete list of awardees.
37. Winnie Chu
AspireHR
Winnie Chu began her professional career over 26 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Strategic Alliance and Regulated Industries of AspireHR. AspireHR delivers the power of the Cloud and Human Experience Management (HXM) to help businesses create employee-first successes and next-generation HR experiences that empower individuals, simplify everyday processes, and enable leaders to make strategic, people-focused decisions that also improve the bottom line. AspireHR, headquartered in Dallas, is proud to be a WBENC-certified as woman-owned SAP SuccessFactors Gold Partner.
Chu first got her start in 1997 as an independent SAP HR consultant. From there, she went on to Sierra-Cedar where she served as an SAP HR project director, before eventually rising to become an SAP HR Global Manager at Cadbury Schweppes, her most recent position prior to joining AspireHR. Chu graduated from Schulich School of Business - York University.
38. Stephanie Davidson
Modern Meadow
Stephanie Davidson is the Chief Human Resources Officer with administrative oversight for IT, Facilities, Project Management, and Change Management at Modern Meadow. This emerging biotechnology company harnesses the power of nature to create sustainable materials. With more than 22 years of experience leading and managing successful teams within multiple industries and across multiple functions, making a move into a "startup environment" within the biotech industry offered Davidson the chance to impact people and the planet. Modern Meadow was founded on the belief that customers should not have to choose between performance and sustainability. With their expertise at the intersection of biotechnology and material science, they are best known as a protein applications powerhouse and a leader in the move away from petrochemical & animal-derived inputs, leading a shift to the bioeconomy.
Before joining Modern Meadow, Davidson led a national hospitality company as a CHRO and later as chief administrative and marketing officer. During her tenure, the company navigated a change in ownership and subsequent turnaround. Davidson consistently motivated senior leadership teams to drive profitable growth through people while with Bar Louie, Macy's, Inc., and Target, Inc. The success was made possible through her ability to attract, optimize, develop, and retain great talent. Davidson says, "Developing long-term relationships motivates me and is the secret behind every success." An eternal optimist with a pragmatic streak, she is energized by challenges and is known as an exceptional manager, a transformational leader, and a trusted advisor. As a native Texan who currently works from both DFW and New Jersey/NYC Metro, Davidson is active in her community, serving as a mentor to many leaders. She earned an undergraduate degree from Wayland Baptist University, and she holds her Senior Professional Human Resources designation from HRCI.
40. Pamela Williams
DeHay & Elliston
Pamela J. Williams is a partner in the Dallas office of DeHay & Elliston, LLP. She is currently licensed in Texas and Oklahoma and is pending admission in Illinois. Williams specializes in products liability, premises liability and toxic torts. In addition to her defense of asbestos and talc matters, Williams is on the firm’s Legionnaire’s Disease litigation team. Additionally, Williams donates her time to the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and serves on the board of the LISD FFA Parents and Friends Club.
Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Baylor University in May 1990 and obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law in May 1994.
41. Catherine Monson
Propelled Brands
Catherine Monson is the Chief Executive Officer of Propelled Brands. Propelled Brands is the corporate umbrella under which service industry franchise brands operate and grow. Its family of brands includes FASTSIGNS®, NerdsToGo®, MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza®, all of which have found tremendous success in their respective industries. With a focus on business-to-business and service franchises and the people behind those businesses, Propelled Brands helps each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose. Propelled Brands establishes a strategic path for each brand to chart a course and offer support and guidance to every franchisee in each brand to help them ultimately arrive at maximum success. Monson brings 30 years of franchising and management experience to her leadership role that spans multiple brands.
Monson has served on the Board of Directors of the IFA since 2008 and entered her second year as Chair of the IFA in February 2021. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Brain Balance, a franchise company with a non-drug alternative for children with behavioral challenges, and on the Board of Directors of the franchisor Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest growing swim schools. She is a keynote speaker at many franchise industry events, as well as at many sign and visual graphics industry events. Monson graduated from Pepperdine University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
42. Karen Schmidt
Sanford Rose Associates International
Karen Schmidt entered the search industry in 2001 as a recruiter with Kaye/Bassman International, the largest single-site search firm in the Americas and parent company of Sanford Rose Associates. Schmidt pioneered the redevelopment of the organization’s recruiting training program, which became the launching pad to grow what is now the world's largest training and consulting firm to the search and staffing industry. Since the program was developed, recruiters from over 3,000 search firms in over 30 countries have been trained by this comprehensive program. Since the acquisition of Sanford Rose Associates in 2012, Schmidt has worked with search firm owners as their chief architect, helping them map out their visions for future success. As President of Sanford Rose, Schmidt helped grow the number of offices by over 250% while growing the network revenues by over 1500% in less than a decade.
Schmidt also serves as the director of the Kaye/Bassman Foundation, responsible for all fundraising efforts supporting MDA and Baylor Cancer Center. Since inception, the Foundation has donated nearly $2,000,000 to these deserving charities. Schmidt graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas with a degree in general business. In 2010, Schmidt was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty,” a list of rising young leaders in the Dallas area.
45. Karen Potter
Deloitte
Karen Potter is a Managing Director of Deloitte. She first joined the company in 2011 as senior manager. Deloitte provides industry-leading audit and assurance, tax and legal, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500 and thousands of private companies. Their more than 345,000 professionals deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories.
Previously, Potter was a senior manager at UHY Advisors and before that a senior manager at Deloitte FAS. Earlier in her career she worked with Hyatt Hotels Corporation in customer relations. Potter graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
46. Colleen Affeldt
RGT Wealth Advisors
Colleen Affeldt serves RGT as a Managing Director and member of the Executive Committee. She joined RGT in 2014, having spent over 15 years managing her own consulting practice. Her expertise growing performance-based organizations encompasses strategic planning, development of C-Suite executives and succession planning. Affeldt spends the majority of her time focused on human performance, using innovative interventions intended to transform organizations through organizational strategy development, human centric design-based structures, refinement of objectives, and breakthrough thinking to support the organization towards performance excellence, a higher value proposition and a successful, sustainable, transferable business.
Valued for her thought leadership, Affeldt has served as a visiting faculty member at the SMU Cox School of Business, Texas A&M Mays School of Business and the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine. She continues to be a highly sought-after speaker. Other affiliations and board positions include Texas Women’s Foundation Economic Leadership Council, Business Executives for National Security, Collective 54, Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Baldrick’s Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Youth With a Mission. Affeldt, in collaboration with the Praevius Group, was the co-founder of COREIntersections, an integrated approach to supporting returning veterans and their transition into the private sector workforce, focusing on retention and “bringing them all the way home”.
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47. Joanna Stone
Six Sails, LLC
Joanna Stone serves as Vice President Media & Digital for Six Sails, LLC in the Media and Marketing Group. She acts as a strategic media leader and visionary in the creation, development, and multi-platform distribution of content. Stone has spent her career delivering content and experiences across many platforms where audiences are found, including digital, mobile, social, television, and print, with success in growing overall revenue, consumer engagement, traffic, and e-commerce product innovation opportunities. She works closely with key partners, communities, and other media organizations - with frequent interaction across a broad range of constituents such as consumer audiences, retailers, trade organizations, and community leaders. Stone is well-versed in creating and packaging media content for multiple revenue streams. Given the multitude of media products she has overseen – including shows, online education courses, newsletters, magazines, social media, influencer marketing, online videos, and e-commerce initiatives her core focus for the audience she directs is innovation. It is her goal to deliver compelling stories to surround an audience with the information, content, support and tools they need to pursue their passions.
She has launched two successful start-up digital media brands, most recently in the $7b high-tech fields of virtual reality. VR News Report serves as a digital hub of content and education with an emphasis on b2b innovations in technology. The platform serves industry leaders in the 15 fastest-growing virtual reality segments. Stone earned a MicroMasters in statistics and data sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
49. Dana Pingenot
RGT Wealth Advisors
Dana Pingenot is a Managing Director at RGT Wealth Advisors where she focuses on strategic financial planning, family governance, multi-generational estate planning, and philanthropic strategies for high-net-worth families. Her experience in the financial planning profession spans over 35 years, including her past role as president of another independent wealth management firm in Dallas. Pingenot is passionate about working collaboratively with clients, their families, and other trusted advisors. She enjoys presenting simple solutions to complex financial planning concepts, and she partners with her clients as they seek to achieve their long-term financial goals and objectives.
Pingenot has appeared multiple times on *D Magazine’s list of “The Best Financial Planners in Dallas” and Texas Monthly’s Five Star Wealth Manager list. She received the DFW Financial Planning Association’s Honor’s Award in 2012. She remains actively involved in the community and profession including the DFW Financial Planning Association, the Dallas Council of Charitable Gift Planners, past service on multiple boards including the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, National Advisors Trust Company, and advisory boards including the Dallas Estate Planning Council, the Estate Planning Council of North Texas, the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, and the Texas Women’s Foundation. Pingenot is a Certified Financial Planner, a Chartered Life Underwriter, and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy. She completed her undergraduate degree in business administration in financial planning from Baylor University, where she was a charter member of the Financial Management Association, and a music scholarship recipient, playing her trombone.
50. Amy Saddington
Russell Reynolds Associates
Amy Saddington is a Managing Director with Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm. Amy holds leadership roles within the firm’s U.S. Healthcare Services and HealthTech Practices. Saddington joined Russell Reynold’s Associates nine years ago with a passion to create more effective leadership teams to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry. She is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and advises Fortune 500, PE firms and large not-for-profit clients on equitable search, CEO succession and recruitment, and board evolution.
Saddington’s entire career has focused on the intersection of technology and healthcare, with the recognition that technology and data can accelerate the transformation of healthcare, making care more accessible, affordable and effective. Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Saddington was a director with the Advisory Board Company out of Washington D.C. Saddington is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she studied human and organization development.
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