Women in Leadership Profile
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Association of Fundraising Professionals
National Philanthropy Day
The National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon was at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento downtown on Nov. 13, 2019. Hosted by the
Association of Fundraising Professionals, the event recognizes the philanthropic contributions of people and organizations in the
community. Photos by Tia Gemmell
Airco Mechanical Inc
“Airco is grateful
Rewarding construction-industry 1 career
From Sacramento Children’s Home: Nick Houser, marketing
J
oann Hillenbrand has found her calling
for Joann’s
and communications
manager;
shortage of workforce
going forward,
I would Ann Checkley, donor relations
with Airco Mechanical. Founded in coordinator;
Todd Koolakian,
expertise Marlene
and
encourage young
people, including
women, director of philanthropy;
1974, this full-service engineering and to learn a skilled trade. My son joined the
construction company, which focuses on
design-build projects, is committed to equal
opportunity and has been opening doors
for women in the construction industry
for decades. Hillenbrand, chief financial
officer, is one of the women who has made a
rewarding career with the company.
Hillenbrand joined Airco in 2012 as a
controller and advanced to chief financial
officer just two years later. Though the
position holds many responsibilities —
overseeing the accounting department and
all aspects of finances, including accounting,
recording, surety, banking, risk management
and human resources — she handles it all
with skill and professionalism.
Oehler, volunteer; and Wendy Beseda, volunteer coordinator
reliability
in her
2 Stephanie Cumberland, owner, Presenting
You; Kirsten
plumbers and pipefitters
union of
and
joined
DuBray, director
donor
relations, American River College
as CFO.
She’s
Office
Philanthropy;
Shirley
Short, board role
member,
Friends
of
Airco seven years
ago, of and
now, at age
27, has
Front
Street
Shelter;
and
Thomas
Greene,
president,
American
a great career as a foreman.”
a strong asset to
River College 3 Brooke Mendes, activities assistant, The
Meadows Senior
Living; are
and Austin DuBray,
Hillenbrand’s contributions
to Airco
us plumber
in the and
fast-
repipe
specialist,
Sacramento
Repipe
and
Plumbing
4 Brian
recognized throughout the company, as
King, chancellor, Los Rios Community College
District;
paced
world of
her work has an impact on all 200-plus
Barbara J. Arnold, ophthalmologist, Sutter Health; and Alex
employees. President
Wyatt
Jones Capitol
says, Impact 5 Brittany
construction.”
Taghavian,
partner,
Dao, branch
SAFE
Credit
Union; Amanda Merz, community
“Joann sets the supervisor,
standard for
work
ethic
and advocacy
manager, SAFE Credit Union;
Kitty
— WYATT
JONES
and accountability,
ensuring engagement
accurate
President and CEO
Hoffman, development manager, Solar Cookers International;
progress reporting from the field, and is an
and Jordan Pruitt, individual giving manager, WEAVE Airco Mechanical
inspirational asset to our team building and
strategic planning.”
Summing up her career, Hillenbrand says,
“It’s provided huge opportunities for me that
I never dreamed possible. The construction
world has proven very exciting with constant
“The construction industry offers change and the fast-paced environment.
opportunities for everyone, male or female, Every project has its own challenges and
from my field of accounting and finance rewards, and, ultimately, I love working with
to project management, estimating and the incredible team here.”
field work,” says Hillenbrand. “With the
8210 Demetre Ave
Sacramento, CA 95828
916.381.4523
aircomech.com
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March 2020 | comstocksmag.com
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