WHO’S WHO
{ INFLUENTIAL WOMEN } KIMBERLY MCWATERS Chairmanand CEO Universal Technical Institute, Inc. uti.edu
McWaters is CEO of UTI, the leading provider of post-secondary education for individuals seeking careers as automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine and collision repair technicians. Trend to watch: “For a long time, families thought a college degree was the only ticket to a good job and bright future. But the workforce is shifting. We’re seeing college grads in jobs that don’t require a degree, while employers are having a tough time finding people trained to work as electricians, plumbers, transportation technicians and in other jobs that require high-tech, hands-on skills. So, I think we’ll see more people look at jobs in the skilled trades, which pay well and offer plenty of opportunity.”
DEBORAH BATEMAN Vice chairman National Bank of Arizona nbarizona.com
Bateman serves as vice chairman of the board of directors for National Bank of Arizona. She is involved with the ongoing development of the bank, with a focus on the bank’s impact and engagement in Arizona communities. A veteran banker, with more than 40 years of experience, Bateman’s career has spanned leadership capacities in wealth strategies, retail banking, operations and technology, treasury management, program management, service excellence, community bank consulting, and merger/acquisition integration. Business advice: “Be authentic in everything that you set out to do and always make sure you are doing it because you truly want to create value and make a difference by serving others.”
SUSAN PEPIN
President and CEO Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust pipertrust.org Pepin is a nationally recognized medical educator, clinician and researcher. Formerly, Pepin served as associate dean for diversity and inclusion and associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She is known for diversifying the medical school’s student body and is a leader in the field of neuro-ophthalmology. Business advice: “Read broadly and voraciously. Innovation and nimbleness are bolstered by ‘borrowing’ what’s working in different forums.” Source of pride: “Mentoring. I always learn more than I give.”
APRIL SALOMON Executive director Musical Instrument Museum mim.org
Joining MIM in 2007, Salomon played an key role in the design, staffing, collection acquisition and launch of the $250 million museum before taking the helm in May 2014. Salomon held positions at the Smithsonian Institution, Intel Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Heard Museum, Institute for Learning Innovation and Newseum. Trend to watch: “Because museums compete for consumer dollars like retailers, hospitality establishments and other attractions, we have to be mindful of our stated missions and try to avoid being all things to everyone, which many arts and cultural institutions sometimes do. Staying true to the organization’s founding principles often increases and sustains support over time.”
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JODY SARCHETT Senior vice president Lovitt & Touché lovitt-touche.com
Sarchett is senior vice president of Lovitt & Touché, one of the nation’s largest independent insurance brokerages. Focused on commercial insurance, Sarchett has been instrumental to the company’s growth since 2003. She has earned numerous accolades for her business development skill and strategy, and commitment to mentorship. Business advice: “Our business is built on relationships. For someone interested in pursuing a career in the insurance field, it’s really never too early to begin building a network that’s filled with talented professionals across industries with whom you can collaborate.” Trend to watch: “It’s uncertainty around the Affordable Care Act and what it will look like in the future. It’s an interesting time for employers and insurers as we both look to manage costs by modifying plan designs and promoting wellness and disease management programs, while awaiting the final result.”