August 30, 2022
How did you get to where you are today?
Nearly 30 years ago, I joined GE Lighting as a sourcing manager responsible for indirect material purchases for several of our manufacturing facilities. Over the next few decades, I held increasingly responsible roles within GE Lighting in sales, supply chain, product management, pricing, customer service, and marketing. This well-rounded mix of operational and commercial experience across both commercial and residential lighting markets provided me with a unique perspective and the knowledge I needed to take on the role of President at GE Lighting, a Savant company, in February of 2022.
What will be the biggest change to the industry in the next three years?
The residential lighting industry has seen tremendous change over the last several decades, including in energy legislation and technology that extends product lifespan, resulting in a primarily sourced manufacturing model. The next big change impacting the residential lighting industry will be the mass adoption of connected lighting products. Residential homeowners are beginning to adopt smart lighting, and this trend will increase as more consumers begin to understand the many benefits of a smart home and expect more from their sockets.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry today?
I would advise anyone starting out in this industry (or any other) to be curious and to stay focused on the market and your customers. The lighting industry is incredibly dynamic, and one needs to stay in tune with technology changes, as well as retailer and consumer trends, to be successful. Natural curiosity combined with the ability to listen to the wants and needs of stakeholders actively will provide a great source of insight.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I spend as much of my free time as I can with my husband and three children. As an avid sports mom, I have traveled all over the Midwest to cheer on my children at soccer games and volleyball and tennis matches. I also enjoy cooking and spending downtime reading a good mystery novel. Our family also enjoys cheering on Cleveland’s pro sports teams and taking advantage of the Cleveland Metroparks for hikes and walks.