Katriona Hartin, a strategic partnership manager for one of
Mayer Electric’s largest customers and a member of NAED’s Women in Industry
Committee, remembers the first heart-to-heart conversation she had with Nancy
Collat Goedecke. It was at NAED’s first Women in Industry Forum, held in
Charleston, S.C., in 2006.
“She asked me at that very first conference, ‘Where do you
want to go in the company? What are your goals?’” recalled Hartin. “And now,
every year, she checks in on those goals. She remembers that I want to go into
management.
“I’m just one of many associates,” Hartin continued. “But
she remembers our conversation and is interested—and is very much a cheerleader
for me.”
The meeting exemplifies Goedecke’s leadership style and is a
key reason Hartin cast her vote for Goedecke to win this year’s Women in
Industry Trailblazer Award.
“Nancy personally fosters that family atmosphere in the
company, but on top of that she does a lot for the industry,” added Hartin.
“She never hesitates to lend a helping hand. To me, there is a special place
for people like her—people who have been successful and share their success the
way she does.”
Other Women in Industry Committee members agree with
Hartin’s assessment. Carrie Johnson, director, corporate and marketing
communications, of St. Louis-based Graybar, pointed to Goedecke’s reputation as
an astute businessperson and her authentic leadership style as key reasons she
deserves this year’s award.
“Nancy is very comfortable with who she is, and I think
that’s a great example for the women in our industry,” said Johnson. “You can
also tell that she cares very much about her company, her associates, and her
community.
“What it boils down to for me is, I think she is a great
example of how women can succeed in our industry and do that in a very
authentic and effective way,” she added.
Committee Member Brandi Guethle, marketing manager of
Hunzicker Brothers in Oklahoma City, seconded the notion that Goedecke’s
reputation precedes her, noting that she’s well thought of throughout the
industry—by both men and women.
“This is a huge honor,” added Hartin. “When the Mayer
associates find out she’s won this award, everyone is going to be so proud of
her.”
NAED’s Women in Industry Trailblazer Award recognizes a
woman in the industry for outstanding and dedicated service to NAED, its Women
in Industry group, and the electrical distribution industry.