Leesburg, Virginia — March 10, 2016 — The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced this year’s recipient of the Most Influential Women award for 2016. After reviewing the nominations, one inspirational industry leader was selected to receive the honour: Michelle Sullivan, Regional Vice President for FinishMaster.
Consulting firm MiddleEdge was contracted as a third-party entity to interview the nominees and select this year’s recipient based on specific criteria established by the Board of Directors.
“The 2016 MIW nominees highlighted the geographic, functional and sector diversity of women who are influencing the collision repair industry today,” says Sandra Herron, Owner of MiddlEdge. “I was inspired by each nominee’s industry involvement, professional accomplishments, mentoring of others and community service. Michelle’s record of creating value for companies, developing industry talent, and championing charitable causes in her community stood out as exemplary.”
The Most Influential Women award recognizes women who have enriched the collision repair industry with their leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence.
“Each year, women from different facets of the collision repair industry are selected for their passion and commitment to progressive and positive evolution of the industry,” says Denise Caspersen, WIN chair. “With so many opportunities for women to have rewarding careers, the sky is the limit for those with talent, inspiration and a strong work ethic.” The Most Influential Women program’s charter aligns with WIN’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the industry.”
Since 1999, the program has recognized 88 women for both their professional accomplishments and for going beyond requirements of their positions to give back to their communities.
“The industry has experienced the positive impact of the women recognized as MIW’s over the last 17 years. This award continues to recognize women who are not only passionate about their work, but also are active in mentoring others to help them advance within our industry,” says Cheryl Boswell, Chief Financial Officer at DCR Systems. Boswell was a recipient of the Most Influential Women designation in 2015 and is a Co-Chair of the 2016 Most Influential Women Committee.
Established in 1999 by AkzoNobel, WIN acquired stewardship of the Most Influential Women program in 2013. When the 2016 WIN Educational Conference convenes in Tampa, Florida on May 2 to 4, 2016, past and current MIW recipients will be celebrated during a gala awards reception. Registration for the conference and dinner will open later this month. For more information, please visit womensindustrynetwork.com and click on “Conference.”
