Answer: I worked for 10 years for Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery. She encouraged me to run for office. In 2007, I ran for Centerville City Council, won, and am in my fifth term on council. The experience I had working for Attorney General Montgomery as a regional representative gave me the skills, confidence and connections to work with the owner of a start-up energy services company — Energy Optimizers, USA — in 2010. After 14 years, I am still excited to go to work every day.
Q: What led you to this point in your career?
A: Energy Optimizers, USA was a startup in 2010, and I was the first employee. I didn’t know anything about running a business, but we got off to a great start, thanks in part to my ability to make connections with school leaders and figure out we could help them reach their goals. Today we are a successful company with 26 employees. I’ve taken classes at Aileron in professional management and strategic planning, networked with brilliant leaders in business and the community, and learned from them.
Q: Who are a couple of people you think of as your professional board of directors (the folks you go to for advice and support)?
A: Kim Duncan, retired owner of Elements IV Interiors and Mayor Brooks Compton, City of Centerville.
Q: What is advice you have for women growing their careers?
A: Say “yes” to opportunities, then figure out the “how.” Create value for others without expecting anything in return. Enjoy your job and volunteer work. If not, don’t do it. Make a change. Be a lifelong learner.
Q: When you were a child, what career did you hope to have?
A: Court reporter.
Q: Are you involved in any cohorts, boards, nonprofits?
A: Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority as board vice presidents, Ohio Municipal League, board of trustees and past president (2024), Centerville Community Improvement Corporation, board vice president; Ohio Public Facilities Management Association board of trustees.
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