Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2024. The Chief Operating Officer has an exceptionally important role to play on executive leadership teams. COOs run the day-to-day operations that keep the teams moving forward with the organization’s mission and goals, while also serving as second in command behind the CEO.
In recent years, more companies have realized the significance of this role, and the key skills of collaboration, engagement, and proactive management are well-suited for the women leaders of the future.
Join us as we celebrate the fine work of Vanessa Hunter, the Chief Operating Officer for The Higdon Group, a global social media, marketing, and personal development training company. A direct sales industry veteran, Hunter brings to this role over 25 years of experience leading high-growth teams and executing company goals to achieve the greatest impact.
Also among this year’s awardees is Denise Nicholson, the COO and Vice President of Mission Portfolios for Soar Technology, a spin-off of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Nicholson is a leading executive known for her unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen, spanning government, academia, and industry.
Finally, we honor talent acquisition superstar, Christine Gilo, the Founder and COO of MOGEL, a global Recruitment Process Outsourcing firm. Gilo is an award-winning global leader in RPO with over 20 years of experience in workforce solutions and human capital management.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2024.
1. Karen Hanlon
EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Highmark Health
Karen Hanlon is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Highmark Health. Highmark Health, a Pittsburgh, PA-based enterprise that employs more than 42,000 people who serve millions of Americans across the country, is the parent company of Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, enGen, and Helion.
With more than 20 years of finance experience, Hanlon is a key leader, strategist, and visionary for Highmark Health, helping to guide the organization’s mission to create remarkable health experiences that free people to be their best. During her tenure at Highmark, she held several positions within the finance division before becoming the chief financial officer and treasurer of Highmark Health in 2014 and the COO of Highmark Health in 2018.
Hanlon began her career in public accounting at KPMG Peat Marwick before joining Highmark Inc. in 1997. Hanlon graduated from Grove City College with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
2. Kate Kellogg
COO, EA Studios, Electronic Arts
Kate Kellogg is the COO of EA Studios at Electronic Arts. Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is an American video game company headquartered in Redwood City, California. Founded in May 1982 by former Apple employee Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer game industry and promoted the designers and programmers responsible for its games as software artists.
As COO, Kellogg leads initiatives that support their world-class creatives and developers. She is inspired by the way gaming brings people together through friendly competition and the pursuit of a common objective. Gaming unites individuals through teamwork, fosters connections, and inspires innovative thinking.
With over 15 years in the industry, she’s held leadership roles within various innovative organizations. Before joining Electronic Arts, Kellogg was a head of operations and game studios at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Before that, she was a consultant at Kate Kellogg Consulting. Earlier in her career, she worked with US Genomics as a general administrator. Kellogg graduated from UMass Boston with an undergraduate degree in economics.
3. Chelsea Hood
Chief Operations Officer, Engineering Wireless Services
Chelsea Hood is the Chief Operations Officer of Engineering Wireless Services (EWS). EWS provides turnkey design, build, maintenance, upgrade, and consulting services throughout the telecommunications industry.
With a foundation in management, Hood specializes in employee development, organizational growth, risk management, human resources, administration, and safety. Her expertise is instrumental in her leadership role at EWS, where she passionately establishes and enhances company-wide policies and processes. She is dedicated to minimizing operational costs while maximizing quality and efficiency.
Hood first got her start in 2005 as a purchasing manager at Falco Plumbing. She graduated from Rio Salado College with an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership. Beyond her role at EWS, she is an active member of NATE, contributing to initiatives like Women of NATE (WON) and the NATE Mentorship Program. She is deeply engaged in fostering quality relationships within the industry.
4. Airica Steed
Chief Executive Officer & President, The MetroHealth System
Airica Steed is the CEO and President of The MetroHealth System, redefining health care by going beyond medical treatment to improve the foundations of community health and well-being. In her role, Steed is accountable for the executive leadership and strategy of the system, as well as advancing the mission of MetroHealth to be the most admired public health system in the nation. She is dedicated to fostering innovation, community, and health equity focus, high-quality outcomes and service, and financial strength.
Previously, Steed was the system executive vice president and chief operating officer for Sinai Chicago Health System and flagship president of Mount Sinai & Sinai Children’s Hospital, where she was charged with leading strategy and operations for four acute, post-acute, and specialty care hospitals, multi-specialty medical group/physician enterprise comprised of over 4,000 caregivers and 800 physicians. She has spearheaded a multifaceted clinical, operational, and financial transformation geared towards achieving a cumulative over $75 million margin improvement, top decile quality/safety performance, and profitable growth, as well as making monumental groundbreaking advancements in advancing health equity and eradicating healthcare disparities across marginalized communities.
Steed is a highly accomplished and award-winning transformational healthcare executive with over 20 years of exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record of driving results and execution excellence. She is recognized as a strategic and visionary change leader, transformational architect, and international expert in Lean Six Sigma, Malcolm Baldrige framework, and “Big 4” management consulting across community and specialty hospitals, ambulatory clinics and networks, academic medical centers, multi-site clinical integrated healthcare systems, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Steed is a results-driven change agent with significant experience in large-scale strategy initiatives to drive high-quality care, operational efficiencies and turnarounds, customer satisfaction, workforce and provider engagement, profitable growth, and value optimization. She is an avid speaker on both a national and international level and a published author. She received her EdD with distinction, MBA, BSN, and numerous certifications. On top of her many accolades, her most prized accomplishment is being a devoted mother to four children.
5. Catherine Pearson
Executive Vice President & General Manager, SpringBoard Healthcare
Catherine Pearson is the Executive Vice President & General Manager, of SpringBoard Healthcare, a consulting, education, and talent acquisition partner for leading hospitals and healthcare organizations that are looking to develop, optimize, or expand their cardiovascular service lines.
Pearson previously served SpringBoard Healthcare as the general counsel and chief operations officer, where she was responsible for employment law, contract negotiations, integration of acquisitions, talent management, compliance, credentialing, and business streamlining. Pearson brings 17 years of experience with significant employment, litigation, and healthcare experience. She is an expert in reducing operational inefficiencies and streamlining workflows to support rapid and sustained growth.
Prior to joining Springboard, Pearson was general counsel and chief administrative officer for SimonMed, where she assisted with strategy development, provided legal and healthcare regulatory counsel, reorganized the corporate structure, and addressed payer concerns. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School with a JD and from Seattle University with an undergraduate degree in philosophy and English.
6. Kisha Hawthorne
Chief Operating Officer & SVP, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Kisha Hawthorne is the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Care Network at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). In this capacity, she provides strategic leadership of CHOP Care Network primary care, specialty care, urgent care, hospital affiliate, and behavioral health services. With a healthcare career spanning more than 20 years, Hawthorne has extensive experience in hospital operations, information services, revenue cycle, and project management. As COO, she manages net operating revenue of $202 million across five profit-and-loss service lines. She leads network growth and business development strategy. She champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives focusing on employee recruitment, development, and retention.
Before her current role, Hawthorne served as CHOP’s SVP and CIO for seven years. As CIO, she was responsible for the strategic leadership of the Information Services (IS) department, managing a $50 million capital budget, a project portfolio of more than 90 large and mid-size projects, and 550 full-time staff members. As an executive leader, Hawthorne serves on various CHOP committees, including Strategic Growth, Ethics, and Patient Safety Executive Committee. For 10 years, she served as an executive sponsor for the Multicultural Professionals Network (MPN), one of CHOP’s Employee Resource Groups (ERG).
Hawthorne is often a guest speaker for CHOP programs and symposia as well as many external professional, educational, and civic organizations. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a winner of the 2020 Minority Business Leader Awards by the Philadelphia Business Journal. She was also nominated for the 2021 and 2020 Philadelphia CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards. Hawthorne holds a PhD in Information Studies from Drexel University’s College of Computing and Informatics (CCI). She is a graduate of Florida A&M University, the University of Minnesota, and St. Thomas University (St. Paul, MN).
7. Elizabeth McInerney
Chief Operating Officer - NA Corporate Solutions, Swiss Re
Elizabeth McInerney is the Chief Operating Officer of NA Corporate Solutions of Swiss Re. The Swiss Re Group is a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance, and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. Dealing directly and working through brokers, its global client base consists of insurance companies, mid-to-large-sized corporations, and public sector clients.
McInerney has 37 years of experience. Before joining Swiss Re, McInerney was a COO of global life for North America at Zurich. Before that, she was a global PMO executive at AIG. Earlier in her career, she worked with Chase Manhattan Corporation as a vice president of service management and quality for channels. McInerney graduated from Connecticut College with an undergraduate degree in political science and government.
8. Maureen McQueen
Chief Operating Officer, Elevance Health
Maureen Garry McQueen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Health Benefits Organization of Elevance Health, which serves more than 45 million members across more than 20 states. Elevance Health is a lifetime, trusted health partner fueled by its purpose to improve the health of humanity.
McQueen has over 25 years of professional experience across financial services and healthcare industries, in operations and IT roles that have US and international responsibilities. In her prior role as the SVP of global services and operations at MetLife, she managed the service and operations organization, which served over 60 million customers in 41 markets. During her tenure, the NPS rose by over 20% in strategic markets. She also led technology transformations to reduce MetLife’s risk and exposure. Before joining MetLife in 2001, she spent 11 years at Bear Stearns and served as a managing director. McQueen holds an MBA and a BA in Business Management from DeSales University.
9. Shannon Banks
COO, MaineHealth
Shannon Banks is the COO of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system that consists of nine local health systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and 1,700 employed providers working together through the MaineHealth Medical Group.
Banks is a skilled executive leader with a passion for helping organizations and teams clarify their vision and develop and implement clear strategies for accomplishing their goals. She engages stakeholders in assessing the environment, establishing or refining a clear vision, and designing a pathway to accomplish business results. She values being part of a diverse team with a shared interest in improvement. A skillful communicator, she solicits input from all voices and builds high trust and highly engaged teams where members put their best skills and intelligence toward achieving shared goals.
Previously, Banks was a lecturer for the University of Southern Maine and an adjunct practitioner faculty member at Bates College. Banks earned a Master of Science in Organization and Management from Antioch University New England and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Bates College.
10. Kedma Brown
COO, dentsu Media in the Americas
As the Chief Operating Officer, of Americas, Kedma is driving and accelerating dentsu Media’s transformational journey designed to increase efficiency, automation, and consistency while reducing complexity.
Kedma is a distinguished, passionate, and experienced executive who has led organizations globally through periods of change by applying innovation to elevate user experience and drive significant, sustainable value. Her relentless focus on both the business and its people, combined with her operational rigor, and expertise in digital and technology transformation, makes Kedma a force for spearheading and implementing innovative technology-driven solutions and processes that drive growth and operational excellence. Over the last 25 years, Kedma has earned a reputation as a business transformation leader across a variety of disciplines, including advertising, marketing, business operations, project management, media, and technology. Prior to working at dentsu Media, she worked at various top Fortune 1000 companies like Ogilvy, TBWA\Chiat\Day, Samsung, and Scholastic.
Kedma has built a brand of leading with compassion, championing visibility, and creating more equitable and inclusive environments while mentoring others as they pave their way in the industry. Continually lifting others as she leads by example, Kedma aspires to be a role model for a female-forward and diverse future. A native New Yorker, Kedma graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology in NY with a BS in Marketing Communications.
11. Graciela Chadwick
Chief Operating Officer, Crumbl Cookies
Graciela Chadwick began her professional career 27 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Crumbl Cookies. Crumbl was founded in 2017 in Logan, Utah. It is now the fastest-growing cookie company in the nation with over 900 locations in the USA and Canada and is powered by cutting-edge technology, iconic branding, delicious desserts, and passionate people.
Chadwick first got her start in 1997 as a consultant at KPMG. From there, she went on to Burger King Corporation, before eventually rising to the director of strategy and insights in field operations at Chick-fil-A Corporate, her most recent position before joining Crumbl Cookies. After years of collaborating with some of the strongest global brands and smartest colleagues, she has developed the deepest professional respect for the softer side aspects of corporate culture. Chadwick graduated from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School with an MBA and from Universidad Panamericana with an undergraduate degree in finance.
12. Stephanie Buckner
Chief Operating Officer, Altair
Stephanie Buckner is the Chief Operating Officer of Altair. She first joined the company in 2011 as a partner solutions manager. Altair is a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI). They enable organizations across all industries to compete more effectively and drive smarter decisions in an increasingly connected world while creating a more sustainable future.
As COO, Buckner is responsible for Altair's corporate development efforts and field operations, sales, and technical support globally. Previously she served as senior vice president of corporate development, where she was responsible for building strategic partnerships across Altair’s entire ecosystem, including software, hardware, cloud, the Altair Partner Alliance, and with customers.
Earlier in her career, Buckner held senior management roles at Altair, including director of strategic alliances, where she surpassed aggressive new partner enrollment goals and was responsible for scouting, selling, onboarding, and managing relationships with third-party B2B software providers. Additionally, during her time at Altair, she was the co-founder and chief executive officer of WEYV, a multi-content platform built on Altair’s patented digital content licensing model. Before joining Altair, Buckner held analyst roles at Cisco Systems and American Express. Buckner earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.
13. Perry Reed
COO & SVP, Nicklaus Children's Health System
Perry Reed is the COO and SVP of Nicklaus Children's Health System, the region's only healthcare system exclusively for children. In addition to Nicklaus Children's Hospital and a growing number of outpatient centers located throughout the tri-county area, the health system includes Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation, the organization's fundraising arm; Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Specialists, a nonprofit physician practice subsidiary; a management services organization, and an ambulatory surgery center.
Reed has nearly two decades of experience. Before joining Nicklaus Children's Health System, she was an executive director of WakeMed Children's Hospital and Women’s Hospital at WakeMed. Before that, she was a director of ethics and palliative care at Texas Children's Hospital. Earlier in her career, she worked with Quinn Reed Associates as a senior vice president of social investment.
Reed graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a doctorate of science in healthcare leadership, from Columbia University with an MS in bioethics, from the University of Texas at Tyler with an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree.
14. Amy Tarbet
Chief Operating Officer, Inline Hospitality
Amy Tarbet began her professional career 19 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Inline Hospitality, a turnkey company with contacts and expertise in everything needed to start or run diagnostics on current businesses. InLine Hospitality specializes in restaurant consulting.
Tarbet’s career has spanned multiple industries – from retail to recruiting and hospitality, where she has held several leadership roles. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from Texas A&M University in 2004, along with a Certificate of International Business.
Tarbet first got her start in 2005 as an assistant buyer at Foley's. From there, she went on to Academy Sports + Outdoors, before eventually rising to a hospitality professional at Milkshake Concepts (Vidorra Dallas), her most recent position before joining Inline Hospitality.
15. Karen Burke
Chief Operating Officer, YWCA USA
Karen Burke is the Chief Operating Officer of YWCA USA. YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities.
With over 20 years of executive leadership experience and a lifelong dedication to gender and racial equity, Burke is passionate about advancing the YWCA's mission and vision. She is recognized for achieving programmatic and operational excellence in organizations. Previously, Burke served as the CEO of YWCA Bellingham, where she contributed significantly to the organization's sustainability. She also worked as the Executive Director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services in Whatcom County, where she expanded the mission's impact by merging organizations, developing new housing facilities, and expanding services.
In addition to her work in nonprofit organizations, Burke served as the director of the Lummi Nation Tribal Court. In this role, she played a vital role in creating and managing programs, such as the Lummi Drug Court and the Lummi Juvenile Justice Project. Additionally, she was the founding Director of the Lummi Nation Child Support Program, one of the first Tribal programs of its kind in the United States. Burke is also a civic leader in her community, serving on several local boards and commissions on homelessness, gender-based violence, child safety, mental health, missing and murdered indigenous women, and criminal justice reform. Burke earned an undergraduate degree in liberal arts and sciences/liberal studies from Western Washington University.
16. Tracey Taylor
Chief Operating Officer, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley
Tracey Taylor is the Chief Operating Officer of Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley. Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley (formerly ValleyCare) provides high-quality care rooted in science and compassion to support the health and well-being of its community in the East Bay and beyond. The hospital is part of Stanford Medicine, which comprises the Stanford School of Medicine and care delivery systems for all ages and health needs.
Taylor has 24 years of experience. Before joining Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, she was a vice president of operations at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Before that, she was a director at Tenet Healthcare. Earlier in her career, she worked with Arthur Andersen & Co. as a consultant. Taylor graduated from Emory University School of Public Health with an MPH in Policy and Management and from Emory University with an undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology.
17. Debora Jones
Chief Operating Officer, ProSearch
Debora Jones is the Chief Operating Officer at ProSearch, a leading provider of tech-enabled solutions to corporations and law firms, working closely with some of the largest companies in the Fortune 500 as a trusted partner that brings efficiency to the legal process and spending.
As Chief Operating Officer, Jones works closely with the CEO to execute ProSearch’s business strategy, managing the company’s operations, business development, and service delivery. Jones brings significant expertise in scaling operations, unlocking revenue opportunities, and building exceptional business cultures. Her extensive experience includes recently working as COO with Exterro, where she spent more than a dozen years in progressive leadership roles at Lighthouse Global and practiced as a litigation attorney at two prominent law firms. Her leadership experience also includes board positions with Washington Women Lawyers and the Seattle chapter of Women in eDiscovery™, and she has served as a program and committee chair with the Association of Corporate Counsel.
Jones earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Washington and a JD from George Washington University Law School. She holds a patent on redaction technology and is a frequent speaker and published author on eDiscovery and legal technology. A thought leader in the industry, she actively contributes as a speaker and author on emerging legal technology issues.
18. Sarah Browning
Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, Moss
Sarah Browning is an accomplished and highly adaptable C-level executive with a proven record of driving global organizational transformations. She has over 20 years of management experience and is adept at leveraging technology and lean operating principles to institute scalable processes across all areas of business. Browning is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Moss, a brand experience manufacturing company specializing in sustainably blending materials, technology, and techniques for brand activations.
Browning joined Moss in 1998 and previously held positions as EVP of global operations, SVP of operations, executive director of strategic business operations, and various director positions in technical design and manufacturing at Moss. She holds a diverse range of experiences in operations, information systems, lean manufacturing principles, mergers and acquisitions, global workforce management, and marketing.
A person of integrity, Browning is an energizing leader who ignites passion for possibility in the company culture. She is proficient in change leadership and works to form engaging work environments. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and holds an MBA with a minor in Information Systems, from Keller Graduate School of Management, where she graduated with distinction. Browning continues her executive education at Kellogg Northwestern. She achieved her education while working full-time and raising three kids, a testament to her relentless perseverance.
19. Tarrah Lowry
Chief Operating Officer, TrustBridge Health
Tarrah Lowry joined Trustbridge as Chief Operating Officer in August 2021. She brings more than a decade of progressive healthcare leadership to this role. Trustbridge provides compassionate, professional healthcare for families facing any stage of life-limiting illness. Since 1978, their expert staff has cared for nearly 200,000 patients nearing the end of life. As a nonprofit organization, they care for all who want and qualify for their services, regardless of ability to pay. They offer the physical, emotional, and spiritual care that brings comfort and dignity to those with terminal illness and their loved ones.
Before joining Trustbridge, she served in several senior leadership roles, including President and chief executive officer at Sangre de Cristo Hospice and Palliative Care. She brings considerable expertise in hospice and palliative care on a local, state, and national level having served on both the National Association of Home Care and Hospice and Hospice and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. Lowry earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and healthcare management from Colorado Technical University.
20. Kara Solarz
Chief Operating Officer, Hplex Solutions
Kara Solarz is the Chief Operating Officer of Hplex Solutions. Hplex Solutions specializes in several service areas, including development, owner representative, real estate consulting and brokerage services, business consulting, and property management.
Solarz joined Hplex Solutions in 2010 as a property manager but quickly established herself as an integral part of the senior leadership team. She led an initiative to modernize and improve upon the company’s property management system, enhancing value and efficiency for both clients and Hplex.
Previously serving as vice president of real estate and property management, she now directs a team of property managers responsible for several facilities across the country, totaling roughly three million square feet. Her clients appreciate her emphasis on outstanding service and attention to detail. In her role, she has facilitated the opening of new medical buildings, worked closely with staff to ensure a smooth transition, and has overseen numerous remodels of existing spaces. Solarz holds a real estate license in the state of Ohio. She graduated from the University of Dayton and from Ashland University. She is also a member of BOMA and volunteers in her community.
21. Missy Foristall
Global Chief Operating Officer & Americas CEO, DEPT
For more than 25 years, Missy Foristall has spent her career driving innovation and digital transformation for both consumer and enterprise brands. As Global Chief Operating Officer and Americas CEO at DEPT, she continues this work by bringing integrated end-to-end digital experiences to clients and their customers.
Prior to joining DEPT, Foristall was a VP of the digital business group at IBM in a number of digital transformation roles, from leading IBM’s 1,700-person internal agency to managing the digital design group and marketing platform products. Previously she also led digital marketing groups at Martha Stewart, JP Morgan Private Bank, and Razorfish. As managing director for Razorfish’s New York office and executive sponsor for several high-profile client accounts, Foristall oversaw emerging platforms, creative, and delivery of projects.
Foristall is passionate about empowering women and providing support and mentoring. She leads the DEPT Women’s Employee Resource Committee and has recently launched a Women’s Mentoring program. Originally born and raised in New York and a graduate of Hartwick College, Foristall now lives in Connecticut with her husband and two daughters.
22. Leeann Yu
Chief Operations Officer, Bright Star Schools
Leeann Yu currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Bright Star Schools, where she leads strategic operational initiatives across the network and oversees the student data, school operations, human resources, and information technology teams. At Bright Star Schools, they prepare their students to become leaders who act with integrity and champion equity to enrich their communities and the world.
Yu has 20 years of experience. She joined Bright Star in 2011 as the school operations manager for Stella Middle Charter Academy and Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy and has since held a variety of operational roles as the organization has grown from two to nine schools. Before joining Bright Star Schools, Yu was an education pioneer fellow at Partnerships to Uplift Communities. Before that, she was an immersion teacher at American Eagle School. Earlier in her career, she worked with Ameriprise Financial as a financial advisor.
Yu holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Development with a minor in education from UCLA and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
23. Grace Woods
Chief Operating Officer, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Grace Woods is the Chief Operating Officer for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of over 15,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that provides continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise through its 36 chapters and over 50 national committees.
At the AILA, Woods is responsible for executing AILA’s strategy focusing on optimizing operating performance at all levels and maximizing AILA’s business strategies ensuring future growth and sustainability. Woods plays a critical role in ensuring teams are delivering against key business metrics and leads the design and integration of organization systems and processes to ensure alignment and increased operational efficiency.
Woods is a Certified Association Executive and a member of the PA and District of Columbia bars. She received her JD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and her BS from Penn State University.
24. Beverly Riddick
Chief Operations Officer, Urban Resource Institute
Beverly Riddick is Chief Operations Officer at Urban Resource Institute, where she is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Operations Division by working with the CEO and senior management to establish and execute the goals, strategies, plans, and policies of the Operations Division. Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) offers innovative client-centered services to help transform the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families, with a focus on communities of color and other vulnerable populations.
Before joining URI, Riddick served as Executive Director at Ready To Work Business Collaborative, where she built and launched a national nonprofit organization that connected employers to upskilled but overlooked members of the workforce to help them achieve their profit and performance goals. Riddick spent the prior twenty years at HOMECorp as executive director championing Montclair, NJ, community values through affordable housing development and community revitalization. Previously, Riddick was an assistant vice president at Chemical Bank of New Jersey. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Bank of Boston as an assistant vice president.
Riddick holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy Analysis from Claremont Graduate University. Riddick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies from Mount Holyoke College.
25. Cindi Cooper
Chief Operating Officer, Gap International
Cindi Cooper is the Chief Operating Officer of Gap International, a global performance consulting company that works with executives and their organizations to produce extraordinary business results in the ever-changing marketplace. Cooper is accountable for the global growth and expansion of Gap International. Working across all facets of the business, she is responsible for ensuring the execution of the company's strategic objectives.
Over the course of her career, Cooper has been instrumental in the sales and marketing of Gap International, providing the creative spark behind the ongoing expansion of the company's brand identity. She co-leads the development of Gap International's leading-edge work in the Leveraging Genius Institute, as well as the delivery of The Leveraging Genius Conference. In addition, she leads the development of Gap International's work in the area of organizational alignment and is instrumental in the delivery of The Alignment Intensive, one of the company's premier programs for senior executives and their teams.
Cooper received a BFA from the Philadelphia College of Art and completed the Tuck Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Before joining Gap International in 1989, Cooper was the co-founder and president of a corporate graphic design and marketing firm.
26. Stephanie Wilson
Chief Operating Officer, NetImpact Strategies
Stephanie Wilson joined NetImpact’s leadership team in January 2016 and assumed the Chief Operating Officer role in February 2020. NetImpact has been a trusted advisor driving impact through digital transformation for the Federal Government for over a decade. NetImpact partners with customer agencies to deliver solutions that empower them to meet their missions realize their strategic vision and achieve impactful and lasting value through their comprehensive Digital Transformation 360°® capabilities.
In her first four years with NetImpact, Wilson doubled the company’s revenue and guided its growth to a successful mid-tier business. She currently oversees daily operations and delivery for the company, including building and scaling the organization and ensuring that NetImpact continues to successfully support its customers’ mission needs as a trusted advisor.
Before joining NetImpact, Wilson built and led the delivery of the health business unit at Acentia for 11 years, leading government business development, information technology management, and health initiatives. Before Acentia, she served at Marriott International as a director of finance. Wilson graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with an MS in health information management and from James Madison University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
27. Hamy Vu
Chief Operating Officer, Teaching Lab
Hamy Vu is the Chief Operating Officer of Teaching Lab. She first joined the company in 2019 as managing director of learning and research. Teaching Lab is a nonprofit organization that works to close the educational opportunity gap through teacher-led professional learning. They identify exceptional teacher-leaders, work with them to recruit their colleagues, and support them in improving instruction for under-served students.
Vu provides leadership, vision, and management of Teaching Lab’s program evaluation initiatives, continuous learning and innovation strategy, Human Resources, finance, and operations functions. Vu brings 15 years of experience as a teacher, data analyst, education research manager, and nonprofit executive leader.
Before joining Teaching Lab, HaMy served as senior director of research and design at UnboundEd, supporting the alignment of programs to organizational goals and leading efforts to measure program efficacy. Prior to that, Vu oversaw data analysis, data reporting, and policy recommendations at the Regents Research Fund and the New York City Department of Education. She began her career as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia and New York City. Vu earned an MA in Urban Education Policy from Brown University and an undergraduate degree in policy analysis and management from Cornell University.
28. Rukmini Banerjee
Chief Operating Officer, Vouch Insurance
Rukmini Banerjee is the Chief Operating Officer at Vouch. She is accountable for delivering operational capabilities across the entire client journey. Vouch offers protection exclusively for startups, from seed to scale. Vouch is a new, technology-first insurance company backed by $160 million in funding from investors. Vouch is building new technology to solve real problems, writing policies that cover relevant startup scenarios, and designing simple experiences in an otherwise frustrating industry.
Before her current role, Banerjee was the chief people officer at Fetch Rewards, where she was responsible for enabling talent as a strategic resource for business growth. She was committed to creating inclusive environments and cultures, where everyone could thrive. Through her two-year tenure, Fetch Rewards saw a period of hyper-growth from 3 million to 11 million users and from 140 employees to over 700. Banerjee led the building of foundational capabilities around hiring, onboarding, people operations, employee connectivity, and Inclusion and Belonging that facilitated the growth and scaling of talent.
To her roles, Banerjee has brought over two decades’ worth of strong business acumen, experience in managing people operations, and a fierce drive for helping women, POC, and young professionals advance in their industries. She has experience working across the financial services spectrum - insurance, mortgages, retail banks, and credit card operations. Her last role was in the consumer tech industry. She also has global experience working in Australia and India for Fortune 500 companies like GE and HSBC.
Banerjee holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from XLRI, India. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Jadavpur University in India and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt from GE.
29. Maria Mancini
Chief Operating Officer, Champions Oncology
Maria Mancini is the current Chief of Scientific Operations at Champions Oncology. Champions Oncology, Inc. provides an end-to-end range of research and development solutions and services that improve the productivity of oncology drug development. Using both in vitro and in vivo testing platforms companies can leverage the expertise at Champions Oncology to help guide decision-making for clinical development scenarios.
Mancini has also previously served as the director of research at Biomodels LLC from September 2011 to March 2015. In this role, she collaborated with clients in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in designing preclinical studies in the areas of oncology, inflammation, and radiation toxicity.
Mancini began her career as a Post-doctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School/BIDMC from March 2007 to September 2011. In this role, she was responsible for conducting research and investigating new treatments for diseases. Mancini has also advised a diverse portfolio of clients in all phases of preclinical development across multiple indications. She has a PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology from the University of Maine and a BS in Biochemistry and Medical Biology from the University of New England.
30. Freizle Abarrientos
Chief Operating Officer, ThinkFISH
Freizle Abarrientos is the Chief Operating Officer of ThinkFISH. At ThinkFISH, they work with private equity funds and early to seed-stage startups to help them raise capital using various innovative marketing strategies. They hope to create a world, where capital is never the limiting factor for value creation.
Abarrientos is an intelligent, fun-loving, and task-oriented leader. With an uncanny attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects with many moving parts and people. she cares about the success of the team. She thrives on collaboration and believes in the transformative power of networking.
Abarrientos first got her start in 2016 as a director of business development at EmpiSys Corp. From there, she went on to Realty Simplified LLC, before eventually rising to operations lead advisor at Better Coliving (Techstars), her most recent position before joining ThinkFISH. Abarrientos graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with an undergraduate degree.
31. Linda Falk
Chief Operating Officer, Kansas City Zoo
Linda Falk is the Chief Operating Officer of Kansas City Zoo. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a 202-acre zoo founded in 1909 and is located in Swope Park at 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, in the United States.
Falk is a highly regarded and seasoned non-profit executive with over thirty years of broad-ranging management experience. A value-added commodity to every organization she works with, she brings a strong presence that leads and supports high performance, quality, accuracy, and organizational stability. Proven as a successful team builder and leader, she is a keen evaluator of people, management strategies, organizational structure, financial matters, and budgeting. With extensive involvement in capital projects, including planning, budgeting, and oversight of construction, she takes pride in being detail-minded while not losing sight of the big picture.
Before joining Kansas City Zoo, Falk was a financial and operational consultant at Falk Consulting. Before that, she was a chief financial officer at United Way of Greater Kansas City. Earlier in her career, she worked with Deloitte Haskins & Sells as an auditor. Falk graduated from The University of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in business and accounting.
32. Katy Dean
Chief Operating Officer, Escapology
Katy Dean began her professional career 18 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Escapology, the world’s fastest-growing escape room franchise. In its escape games, a team of up to 8 players will complete a specific mission in a fully themed room. During the thrilling 60-minute experience, teams will be immersed in a real-life adventure with fun surprises around every corner. Coming to Escapology means finding hidden clues, cracking codes, solving challenging puzzles…and escaping before the clock runs out!
Dean first got her start in 2006 as a franchise business coach at Jimmy John's. From there, she went on to Fitness Together, before eventually rising to chief operating officer at Buddy's Pizza, her most recent position before joining Escapology. Dean graduated from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business with an EMBA, from Harvard University with an MA in Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior, and from Wayne State University with an undergraduate degree.
33. Michelle Potter
COO & Senior Managing Director, KCIC
Michelle Potter is the Chief Operations Officer and Senior Managing Director of KCIC, a consulting firm that helps companies manage their product liabilities. Her day-to-day role is to manage client relationships and lead projects to develop and implement claims processing procedures and systems, as well as to perform complex analyses of different types of claims and insurance. Within KCIC, Potter is tasked with helping the company grow through business development activities and internal initiatives.
Potter is an authority on the current state of the asbestos litigation industry. She started her career as an associate director at Navigant Consulting Group, a leading global provider of consulting services to the public and commercial markets with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. After a decade with Navigant, she landed her first role at KCIC as manager, working her way up to managing VP, senior manager, and vice president, before being promoted to her current role. Potter graduated from William & Mary with an undergraduate degree in economics.
34. Denise Nicholson
Chief Operating Officer & VP of Mission Portfolios, Soar Technology
Denise Nicholson is the Chief Operating Officer and VP of Mission Portfolios of Soar Technology. Soar Technology, LLC, is a spin-off of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Michigan and is rooted in cognitive science and innovative multidisciplinary research. With a deep understanding of human perception, memory, performance, learning, and emotion, the SoarTech team of scientists and engineers from leading universities integrates domain knowledge analysis and systems engineering with user design features that perform the way humans do.
Nicholson is a leading executive known for her unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen, spanning government, academia, and industry. Her impact at SoarTech is profound, professionalizing business development and project execution processes in preparation for a recent successfully managed acquisition. With a focus on AI/ML technologies, Nicholson contributes to various DoD domains, including Autonomy, C4I, and Training and Simulation. She excels in concept creation and ensures effective project execution through staff alignment.
As the head of the engineering team, she fosters an innovation-driven culture, achieving key performance indicators that significantly contribute to SoarTech's growth. Nicholson's multi-faceted background and strategic prowess position her as a key player in shaping the future of AI technology for the military's toughest challenges. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and ability to lead mission-critical initiatives set her apart as a dynamic leader in the field, making her a driving force behind SoarTech's success. Nicholson graduated from the University of Arizona with a PhD and an MS in optical science and from Clarkson University with an undergraduate degree in electrical computer engineering.
35. Christine Magrann
President & Chief Operating Officer, Makeready
With over 25 years of experience in the lifestyle and luxury independent hospitality industry, Christine Magrann is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Makeready, a company that specializes in branding, design, and operations of lifestyle independent hotels, restaurants, retail, and other experiential platforms. She leads a team of passionate professionals who are committed to creating unique experiences, where all guests feel welcome, cared for, and valued.
Previously, Magrann was an executive officer at Raised Palate Restaurants - Headington Companies (Previously Consilient Restaurants). Before that, she was an executive officer of talent and operations at Consilient Restaurants. Earlier in her career, she worked with Hillstone Restaurant Group as a Houston's.
Magrann holds a Six Sigma Black Belt certification and an Asset Management certification from eCornell and has successfully applied these skills to optimize the performance, profitability, and growth of Makeready and its partners.
36. Ashley Georgulis
Chief Operating Officer, The Nanny League
Ashley Georgulis is the Chief Operating Officer for The Nanny League. In this role, she meticulously connects families with highly educated, skilled, and nurturing childcare professionals – nannies, household managers, personal assistants, special needs caregivers, private educators, and newborn care specialists.
Before joining The Nanny League in 2018, Georgulis spent seven years in the education publishing industry from elementary education to professional development. The oldest of four, with five years of nanny experience, her passion for childcare, development, and education was planted at a young age and has continued to flourish.
Georgulis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing. She launched her career in educational publishing, where she spent several years in marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales. Georgulis pursued her Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Saint Louis University, where she discovered a passion for growing individuals and entities. She currently resides in Houston, TX, with her husband, daughter, son, and rambunctious pup. She is an avid runner and cyclist.
37. Lauren Izaks
COO & Executive Vice President, All Points Public Relations
Lauren Izaks is the COO and Executive Vice President of All Points Public Relations, an integrated PR agency that specializes in the franchise industry. She co-founded All Points PR in 2011 and has helped fuel the agency’s ascension to the top of the franchise industry’s competitive PR set. Today, All Points PR serves dozens of clients ranging from startups and seasoned entrepreneurial enterprises to international franchise brands.
Izaks’ savvy business sense, combined with stellar organization and planning, keeps All Points PR on track. From conceptualizing and systematizing internal processes to accounting, HR, hiring, technology, and training, Izaks does it all with grace, understanding, and attention to detail. She is the visionary behind the company’s sustained growth, creating pathways for new agency services and departments while also building out strategic recruitment plans to fill newly formed positions with top talent. Izaks has also been the driving force behind some of All Points PR’s most substantive work, including launching the Positive Impact program, which includes quarterly volunteering and service events for agency team members to contribute to the Chicagoland community together. In addition, Izaks co-founded the Northern Illinois Franchise Association, an organization designed to help franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers grow personally and professionally through quarterly events covering a range of timely topics related to franchising, government relations, the economy, and more.
A graduate of Indiana University, Izaks holds an undergraduate degree in education and a postgraduate Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University. Izaks earned a leadership certification through Northwestern University and has since begun an additional Master’s degree in Information Design and Strategy.
38. Christine Tobin
Chief Operating Officer, Young Investors Society
Christine Tobin is the Chief Operating Officer of the Young Investors Society. She first joined the company in 2017. Young Investors Society provides quality financial literacy education and programs to students from all backgrounds and socio-economic levels. They aim to teach finance and investing skills that will last a lifetime and empower students to take control of their financial future.
In her role, Tobin oversees the administration of various financial literacy programs for high school students across 46 states and over 75 countries. Previously, Tobin was a director of special projects at Project HEAL: Help to Eat, Accept and Live. Before that, she was a realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty. Earlier in her career, she worked with Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast as a director of Girl Scout services.
Tobin earned a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and an undergraduate degree in child development from California State University, Northridge. She is an avid trail runner having recently completed her first full marathon, enjoys the outdoors and traveling, and most recently received her Master Diver Scuba Certification.
39. Chris Barrett
Chief Operating Officer, National Utility Contractors Association
Chris Barrett is an experienced nonprofit executive with over 28 years of experience in management and association operations. She is passionate about association work and focuses on delivering exceptional customer service and member value. Currently, Barrett is the Chief Operating Officer at the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) in Fairfax, VA. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the association.
In her previous role at the Marine Technology Society (MTS) in Washington DC, Barrett served as the Interim executive director and as the director of operations. She directly managed all functional and operational areas of this professional society.
From 2000 to 2008, Barrett worked at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), Alexandria, VA, as the Senior Manager of Career Services. Her work with AAPS gave her many valuable tools that allowed her to progress her career in association management.
40. Christine Gilo
Founder & Chief Operating Officer, MOGEL
Christine Gilo, Founder of MOGEL RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) is a highly respected leader and innovator in the human capital and talent acquisition industry. With over 20 years of experience in the field and a deep understanding of workforce solutions and human capital management, she has developed unique and effective approaches to recruitment.
Throughout her career, Gilo has held executive positions in Fortune 500 recruitment firms and Top 25 law firms, solidifying her expertise and shaping her industry perspective. Drawing from her extensive experience, she has become a trailblazer in the field, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional recruitment practices. Gilo’s visionary mindset led her to establish MOGEL, a global Recruitment Process Outsourcing firm headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. At MOGEL, she built the company on an innovative business model that prioritizes connecting companies with the right individuals for the right positions, resulting in an average of 58% cost savings to her clientele. This approach reflects her belief in the power of meaningful connections and the positive impact they can have on businesses and individuals. Under her leadership, MOGEL has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking exceptional talent solutions. Her commitment to personalized and strategic recruitment has propelled the company to new heights, earning recognition and admiration in the industry.
Gilo’s unwavering passion for human capital and talent acquisition, combined with her extensive experience and innovative mindset, have positioned her as a driving force in the industry. She continues to shape the future of recruitment by challenging conventional norms and fostering connections that create lasting success for companies and individuals. Gilo’s expertise and dedication make MOGEL an ideal partner to help navigate the complex landscape of talent acquisition and workforce solutions.
41. Alexandra Walterspiel
President & Chief Operating Officer, Sensei
Alexandra Walterspiel is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Sensei, an evidenced-based company that develops technology and offers healthier living programs and services to help people find greater well-being.
Walterspiel is a strategic and accomplished operations executive with 30 years of demonstrated leadership expertise in the hospitality, residential, and vacation ownership industries. She has an exceptional background in development, conceptualization, branding, operations, and repositioning with expertise that includes superior leadership, communication, and motivational skills. Her uniquely well-rounded experience in the luxury and lifestyle segments of the industry gives her unparalleled strengths in every facet of the business, including directing designers and architects to achieve extraordinary results. She is known for selecting, training, developing, and mentoring loyal and innovative leaders and employees to achieve award-winning results. She has a strong focus on creating and driving a culture of striving for excellence, as well as on continuous innovation in revenue generation, maximizing productivity, and controlling costs.
Before joining Sensei, Walterspiel was a managing partner and co-founder at IMPRINT Hospitality. Before that, she was a founder at Walterspiel Hospitality. Earlier in her career, she worked with The Ritz-Carlton Sydney as an executive assistant manager rooms division. Walterspiel graduated from EHL with an undergraduate degree in hotel business.
42. Lucy Benedetti
Chief Operating Officer, South Dade Kia of Miami
Lucy Benedetti is a professional in the automotive industry. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she began her career at Toyota Motors in 1991. Embracing the Toyota philosophy, she delivered outstanding results that led to significant economic gains, enabling her to make strategic investments. In 1992, she crossed paths with her husband, Mario JT Benedetti, a third-generation car dealer who owned a Toyota dealership in Prosperi Cumana. Their partnership blossomed into marriage, and the couple has two beautiful children.
Transitioning to Cumana, Benedetti collaborated with her husband, immersing herself in the Japanese standard and adapting to the evolving industry requirements. In July 2009, they relocated to Miami, where they seized an opportunity to purchase a Toyota dealership in Homestead, FL, marking the inception of South Dade Toyota. They successfully established South Dade of KIA Miami in September 2019. Their collaborative efforts culminated in the inauguration of a third dealership, South Dade Kia Homestead, in October 2022, with Benedetti overseeing the operations of all three dealerships.
Benedetti launched the South Dade Education Fund in 2021, a foundation to support education programs, and with South Dade Kia, she spearheaded a new campaign, "Her Drive Her Voice," where the company aims to revolutionize the way business is conducted with women.
43. Mary Bell Love
Partner & Chief Operating Officer, The MACH 1 Group
Mary Bell Love is a public affairs expert with extensive media relations, political strategy, crisis management, and strategic communication expertise. As a Partner and Chief Operating Officer for The MACH 1 Group, Love manages a wide breadth of clients – from higher education institutions and nonprofits to trade associations. As director of the firm’s natural resources practice, she specializes in oil and gas, water, and electric industry communications.
Previously, Love served as director of public affairs for the Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), where she was nominated for Outstanding Women in Texas Government. Her experience and savvy have received attention locally and nationally. She received a Bronze Stevie award for Female Executive of the Year (2023) and Agency Planner of the Year (2023) from the Austin Alliance for Women in Media and a nomination for Austin Business Journal’s Women in Business (2022), which celebrates Central Texas women at the top of their industry.
A seventh-generation Texan, Love is passionate about sharing her talents to serve her local community. She is the co-founder and board member of the American Energy Institute and serves on the board of directors for the Pink Granite Foundation and Women’s Symphony League of Austin. She’s a former board member of the Austin Alliance for Women in Media and the KLRU Community Advisory Board. In addition, she serves on the Austin Business Journal Leadership Trust and is an active member of Women Communicators of Austin and the Public Relations Society of America. Love earned both her Bachelor's and Master’s of Fine Arts degrees from Texas State University. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world with her husband, Jarod, and spending time at her family's ranch with their dogs, Henry and Rory.
44. Vanessa Hunter
Chief Operating Officer, The Higdon Group
A direct sales industry veteran, Vanessa Hunter is the current Chief Operating Officer for The Higdon Group, a global social media, marketing, and personal development training company based in Naples, Florida.
Hunter has over 25 years of experience in the direct selling and network marketing industry. With a proven track record of sales growth and operational efficiency, Hunter’s experience in business operations, leading high-performance sales teams, executing effective marketing strategies, field leadership training, and strategic business development is instrumental in executing the company’s goal of achieving greater global impact and brand awareness.
Before this appointment, Hunter held various C-suite positions within the industry for over 20 years and served various clients as the CEO of her own company, The Brand Muse Creative Marketing, established in 2017. Her results-driven, people-centric leadership style has unified high-performance teams and facilitated rapid revenue growth for several global companies.
45. Marisela Martinez
Chief Operating Officer, Planet Women
Marisela Martinez is Chief Operating Officer at Planet Women and oversees the infrastructure and foundation of the organization, including management and thought leadership for the board of directors; implementation of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice initiatives; establishing recruitment and hiring best practices; and launching sector change initiatives. Founded in 2020 by two seasoned conservation leaders, Planet Women is resourcing women leaders today and changing systems for tomorrow. They directly invest in local women and communities protecting rivers and forests in Africa, the Amazon, and the American West.
Martinez has more than 25 years of experience working with CEOs and the boards of mission-driven nonprofits, including PATH, The Mexican Museum, and the San Francisco Zoological Society. Most recently, she worked with the CEO and board of directors at the KIPP Foundation managing board logistics, supporting committees, and serving as board secretary for more than 10 years. She has been a trainer and mentor to several administrative staff and is active in KIPP’s diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives.
She received her BA in Spanish and History from Mills College and an MA in Latin American Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Marisela is a native Californian and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She currently lives with her husband in Central California near Yosemite.
46. Lindsay Wilson
Chief Operating Officer, Ink Factory Studio
Lindsay Wilson began her professional career 22 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Ink Factory Studio. Ink Factory is a team of artists that helps organizations communicate visually. With decades of experience in business consulting, strategic visioning & planning, and creative problem-solving, they are the leaders in visual note-taking: the art and science of translating conversations into real-time drawings that help people process and remember information.
Wilson first got her start in 2002 as a graphic facilitator at subtextualize.com. From there, she went on to the Difference, before eventually rising to delivery specialist at Collective Next, LLC, her most recent position before joining Ink Factory Studio. Wilson graduated from Texas Christian University with an undergraduate degree in speech communication and rhetoric.
47. Katie Alberts
Chief Operating Officer, Reach Records
Katie Alberts is the Chief Operating Officer of Reach Records, an American independent record label specializing in Christian hip hop. The label was founded in 2004 by Ben Washer and the hip-hop artist Lecrae. In addition to Lecrae, the Reach Records roster contains artists like Tedashii, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, 1K Phew, WHATUPRG, Wande, Hulvey, and Limoblaze. The hip-hop collective 116 operates under the label and consists primarily of the label's solo acts.
Spending the majority of her career focused on the digital market and adjusting to the streaming movement, Alberts stepped into a role as an executive overseeing digital endeavors for the label. As COO, she oversees financial strategy, distribution, sync, digital marketing, and all operational functions of the label. She’s passionate about independent artists and labels and advocating for women in leadership within the music industry.
Earlier in her career, she worked with the Georgia Institute of Technology as a mathematics undergraduate teaching assistant. Alberts graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree with a concentration in marketing.
48. Gina Pomponi
President and Chief Operating Officer, Bluewater Media
Gina Pomponi is the President and COO of Bluewater Media. Bluewater is a converged agency that brings all aspects of research, creativity, production, digital commerce, and offline and online media together under one roof.
For more than 30 years, Pomponi has developed strategies and managed successful campaigns across retail, insurance, financial, high ticket lead generation, drive to the web, and direct sales. While managing over $100mm in billings at Mercury Media and Direct Response Media, she honed her skills to become one of the savviest media thought-leaders in the industry.
Pomponi joined Bluewater in late 2015 as a partner and quickly jumped in and built the media division into a multi-million-dollar diversified business supporting a constantly growing staff. She’s driven over 11X in media growth and created Bluewater’s Account Management team to provide direct client support.
49. Patricia Tennen
Chief Operating Officer, Kentucky Youth Advocates
Patricia Tennen is the Chief Operating Officer of Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA). KYA believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As the independent voice for Kentucky's children, they work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children.
Tennen has more than 15 years of experience in public policy, community engagement, data/research, fund development, project management, and nonprofit leadership. Previously, she was an outreach coordinator at Indiana University East Asian Studies Center. Tennen achieved her undergraduate degree from Goshen College in northern Indiana. After living and working in Japan for three years she secured her Master’s degree from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
50. Lauren Tanzer
Chief Operating Officer - Emergency Department, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System
Lauren Tanzer began her professional career 16 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer for the Emergency Department at Penn Medicine University in the Pennsylvania Health System. Penn Medicine's mission is to advance knowledge and improve health through research, patient care, and the education of trainees in an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, fosters innovation, stimulates critical thinking, supports lifelong learning, and sustains its legacy of excellence.
Tanzer first got her start in 2008 as a senior project manager, research coordinator, and research assistant at Drexel University. From there, she eventually rose to the director of physician practice administration in pulmonary and sleep medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, her most recent position before joining the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Tanzer graduated from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business with an MBA, from Jefferson Health with a Master’s degree in Healthcare Quality and Safety, and from Pennsylvania State University’s Abington College with an undergraduate degree in psychological and social sciences.