1. Tell us about you. Where did you go to school? What’s your most recent professional experience?
I am from small town Calera, Alabama – a town 40 miles south of Birmingham. I went to college at the University of Montevallo for my Bachelors in Management Information Systems, and later returned for my Masters in Business Administration. I also worked for my alma mater for 10+ years as the Purchasing & Contracts Manager where I solely managed all of the purchasing initiatives and processes across campus, all university contract review and execution, and management of all auxiliary services. During my time at Montevallo, I was also an active member of E&I, utilizing the contracts, as well as being a participating member of the Strategic Advisory Board.
2. Tell us about your role here at E&I. Give us a quick rundown of your responsibilities and how they play a part in our team’s overall success.
I came to E&I in August of 2022 as the Contract Performance Manager and transitioned to the Sourcing Team in October of 2022. Currently, I am the Sourcing Manager for General Products and Services, focusing more on the General Services side of the portfolio.
3. What do you enjoy most about your work? Are there specific tasks or projects that you find particularly fulfilling or exciting?
I have loved being on the Sourcing Team. The team is made up of so many brilliant individuals with the most amazing hearts. They welcomed me to the team with open arms, supporting me and training me. They have such a robust backgrounds, filled with so much knowledge, so cross collaborating with them is always so fulfilling and educational. I’ve been truly blessed with great colleagues, that I am lucky to call friends and mentors.
4. What aspect of our company culture resonates with you the most? Are there particular values or practices that you find especially meaningful and enjoy being a part of?
I love how our company equally supports personal growth and professional growth. I have worked in corporate, as well as a state funded higher education institution, and there is not another company that values us as individuals, just as much as professionals, quite like E&I does. After being on the SAB and witnessing it from the member side, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of this company.
5. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? Tell us about your passions and how you unwind and recharge when you’re not on the clock.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family. We have a blended family with 5 children, 2 of which we are fostering to adopt. It has been a long process, but will be so worth it to all share the same last name. As a family, we enjoy being at the lake and boating, as well as serving within our church and community.
6. What are you reading, binge watching, or listening to? Anything in particular that’s captured your attention or sparked your interest recently?
I love to read, and read constantly. I enjoy most genres, as long as it can spark my interest and keep my attention. My goal for the year is to read 50 books – and luckily, I’m almost there – so I may shoot for 100! Stay tuned!
7. Share a fun fact about yourself. Is there something about you that your colleagues might find surprising or interesting?
I grew up on an Arabian horse farm. We traveled the country showing horses and competing in local and national competitions. My sister and I were very talented and hold several national championships, as well as being the rodeo queen for my county.
8. What’s one thing you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
I really want to learn sign language. I’ve always been intrigued by the beauty of the language and would love to learn.
9. What do you want to get 1% better at each day?
Patience and grace. Ian Robbins is my boss and I tease him all of the time that I wish I could show more grace and patience like he exhibits. Hopefully, with him as my mentor, I can pick up on some of his tactics and focus on growth in that area.
