Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in a four-part series. Read Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here.
MDM wraps up its 2026 Women in Distribution series with Part 4, highlighting five leaders whose careers underscore the people-driven nature of the distribution industry and the opportunities it offers across a wide range of roles and functions.
This final installment features executives and leaders spanning operations, vendor relations, executive leadership and regional management — each bringing a perspective shaped by experience, adaptability and a strong focus on developing others. Together, they represent the continued evolution of distribution as an industry built on relationships, execution and long-term growth.
Read Part 3 here, featuring leaders from ADI Global, Mighty Distributing Systems, Marshall Wolf Automation, Adentra and Ludwig Meister. See the full list of 2026 NAW Women in Distribution honorees here.
Read on for this group’s profiles in alphabetical order.
LAST CALL: MDM 2026 Top Distributors Submissions are Due March 31
Check out the 2025 Women in Distribution here.
Recognition at SHIFT
Besides publishing the 2026 NAW Women in Distribution honorees here on the MDM website, we’re also excited to recognize them at MDM’s marquee event of the year, SHIFT 2026 — The Future of Distribution taking place May 12–14 in Denver. Throughout SHIFT, we’ll spotlight these standout leaders — from rising stars to seasoned executives — whose vision and impact are shaping the future of the industry. Honorees will be featured on the main stage and recognized during a dedicated Women in Distribution reception, creating a powerful moment for connection, inspiration and industry-wide recognition.
Jessica Oetinger — Regional Manager at GMS
“Exceptional customer service and strong track record of taking on more responsibility with success.” — Matt Hester, GMS SVP Southeast
Years in Wholesale Distribution: 24 years
How did you get into this industry? I was introduced to the wholesale distribution industry after working part time at Home Depot while attending college. Following my graduation, my father encouraged me to apply for a customer service representative role at the company where he worked, and I was hired in May 2002. In October 2003, I transitioned into the drywall division. Aside from a series of sales and acquisitions over the years, I have remained in the industry and continued to grow my career.
What do you like most about your role in this industry? I most enjoy the relationships I’ve built with our customers and my coworkers. Being part of the construction process — from commercial high-rise projects to single-family homes — is something I take great pride in. I also appreciate that no two days are the same and that there is always something new to learn.
What has been your most rewarding career experience? My most rewarding career experience has been developing others. I’m passionate about mentoring and investing in people, supporting their growth, and helping prepare them for greater responsibility. Seeing team members I’ve worked with advance within the organization is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
From your career, is there a company initiative or accomplishment you are particularly proud of? Or any key initiative that you led? One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is my role in developing and mentoring team members throughout their careers. I’ve focused on creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. Seeing individuals I’ve coached and developed advance into new roles and leadership positions within the company has been incredibly rewarding.
Paige Robbins — SVP and President, Grainger Business Unit at Grainger
“Paige combines analytical rigor with genuine care for people, creating an environment where teams feel supported, challenged and inspired to deliver their best work. Grounded in Grainger’s principle of “Start with the Customer,” Paige’s leadership consistently sets the standard in distribution.” — D.G. Macpherson, Grainger Chairman & CEO
Years in Wholesale Distribution: 16
How did you get into this industry? I came into industrial distribution through consulting, where I worked closely with companies in this space. What drew me in, and what ultimately kept me here, is the essential nature of the work. This industry powers businesses, communities and critical infrastructure. Over time, I realized the opportunity to help shape strategy, operations and customer impact from within.
What do you like most about your role in this industry? What I enjoy most is working alongside customers to help solve real problems. Our customers rely on us to keep their operations running safely and efficiently. Being able to listen, understand their challenges and then build solutions is incredibly energizing. I love the opportunity to continually improve how we serve customers while strengthening our competitive position.
What has been your most rewarding career experience? Without question, the most rewarding part of my career has been developing talent and helping people achieve their goals. Business results matter, but ultimately, they’re powered by people. Seeing individuals grow into larger roles, build confidence and realize their potential is deeply meaningful to me. Leadership is about creating an environment where others can thrive and deliver their best work.
From your career, is there a company initiative or accomplishment you are particularly proud of? Or any key initiative that you led? I’m proud of the role I’ve played in leading major initiatives that have helped Grainger evolve alongside our industry and our customers. Industrial distribution has changed significantly; customer expectations around speed, transparency, digital access and reliability continue to rise. Staying ahead of that requires transformation, not incremental improvement.
I’ve been honored to help that evolution take shape in our supply chain and technology capabilities. We’ve strengthened our ability to deliver a complete next-day assortment, making it easier and more accessible for customers to get what they need, when they need it. At the same time, we’ve helped move our technology team from a traditional IT function to true strategic business partners, embedding technology into our core strategy to create differentiated capabilities and lasting competitive advantage.
Any other info we should know about your industry impact? I serve on the C.H. Robinson Board of Directors, and as the Executive Sponsor of Grainger’s Disability Business Resource Group, where I help champion accessibility, so team members of all abilities feel supported and empowered to contribute fully.
Kim Rutherford — Director of National Vendor Relations at EMCO Corp.
“Kim exemplifies leadership grounded in core values, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.” — Sian Smith, Region Manager at Westlund
Years in Wholesale Distribution: 24 years
How did you get into this industry? I began my career in an administrative role within the Municipal division and progressed through customer service, operations and national pricing role before moving into National Vendor Relations. Each step broadened my perspective across the business and played a key role in shaping my career path.
What do you like most about your role in this industry? The opportunity to learn from and work alongside influential industry thoughts leaders. Distribution is complex, fast-moving and full of smart people who are willing to share their knowledge, challenge ideas, and collaborate to move the industry forward.
What has been your most rewarding career experience? Co-creating Women Inspiring Women, a group that brings together women from across EMCO Corporation to offer support, mentorship and a truly safe space. Women continue to be a minority in our industry and represent our greatest development potential. Seeing our community grow and watching women support one another both professionally and personally, has been incredibly rewarding and remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
From your career, is there a company initiative or accomplishment you are particularly proud of? Or any key initiative that you led? I am especially proud of my involvement with the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Steering Team and my current role on the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) IDEA Committee. As a deaf woman, contributing to initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility is deeply personal. This work reinforces the importance of creating environments where different perspectives, abilities, and ways of communicating are not just accommodated, but valued.
Allison Sabia — President and CEO at Galco Industrial Electronics
“In 4 years as CEO, [she] has tripled revenue and acquired four companies to expand Galco’s NA footprint.” — Thomas Muldowney, Galco’s VP of Sales & Business Development
Years in Wholesale Distribution: 30
How did you get into this industry? I came into distribution unexpectedly. After completing my MBA in Finance, I joined an electronic components distributor in an analyst role, even though I had little exposure to either electronics or wholesale distribution at the time. What drew me in, and what has kept me here for 30 years, is the fact that distribution sits at the center of the supply chain. It is a business built on execution, responsiveness, and the ability to create real value every day.
What do you like most about your role in this industry? What I value most is the opportunity to build strong teams and shape culture. Distribution is still, at its core, a people business, and the relationships I have built throughout my career are among the most meaningful aspects of the work. I also appreciate the pace and complexity of the industry. It is constantly evolving, which gives leaders the opportunity to drive change, strengthen organizations, and help position the business for long-term success.
What has been your most rewarding career experience? The most rewarding part of my career has been helping people grow into leaders. What really makes me proud is seeing people who were new or early in their careers grow into executive roles. I love seeing people who once worked for me go on to become major leaders in their own right. Knowing I may have played a small part in that journey is incredibly rewarding. To me, that is one of the most meaningful outcomes of leadership, and it often goes hand in hand with building strong teams, aligning people around a clear vision, and helping organizations grow stronger in the process.
From your career, is there a company initiative or accomplishment you are particularly proud of? Or any key initiative that you led? I have been fortunate to be part of many important initiatives over the course of my career, but I am especially proud of the work involved in modernizing the distribution model. That includes digital transformation, strategic acquisitions and AI-enabled customer solutions. At Galco, we have been focused on evolving from a traditional distributor into a more technology-enabled, data-driven partner for our customers. That kind of transformation requires strengthening the business infrastructure while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that makes distribution so effective and resilient.
Any other info we should know about your industry impact? I serve on the Galco board and on the Advisory Board for WE United. Mentorship has also been an important part of my professional life and one of the areas I find most rewarding. Over the years, I have been honored to be recognized as a Woman Worth Watching by Profiles in Diversity Journal, one of the Top 50 Women in eCommerce, a recipient of the Women in Supply Chain Award, and Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s 2025 Pros to Know honoree.
Terra Stegner — General Manager at Hanna Rubber Company, A Singer Industrial Company
“… has worked in production/operations, supply chain and customer service, and now leads the organization based on her excellent people skills, business acumen and work ethic.” — Michael Johnson, Regional Manager – Central U.S. at Singer Industrial
Years in Wholesale Distribution: 19 years
How did you get into this industry? I was presented with the opportunity to join Hanna Rubber in a production role at a time when I was seeking a new direction in my career. What began as a change quickly became a passion, as I discovered a strong sense of purpose within the industry driven by its culture and the meaningful connections among its people.
Throughout my journey at Hanna, I’ve been fortunate to grow through several leadership roles, including Quality Manager and Purchasing/Operations Manager. In January 2025, I proudly stepped into the role of General Manager. Each step has strengthened my commitment to our team, our customers and the continued growth of the organization.
What do you like most about your role in this industry? Industrial distribution impacts every aspect of our customers, suppliers, products and technology. There is always something new to learn from the people you encounter. What I enjoy most is building trusted relationships that drive business forward and sustain long-term partnerships.
What has been your most rewarding career experience? One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing someone step confidently into a new role or earn a well-deserved promotion. Watching individuals grow, take on new challenges, and succeed is what makes building strong teams so meaningful. Developing people has always been a core focus of my leadership in industrial distribution. I’m passionate about mentoring talent and guiding our organization through growth and change from driving operational efficiencies to strengthening succession pipelines.
In an industry built on trust and relationships, transformation isn’t just about systems or strategy. It’s about helping people adapt, grow, and lead in an evolving distribution landscape.
From your career, is there a company initiative or accomplishment you are particularly proud of? Or any key initiative that you led? One of the most meaningful accomplishments in my career was leading our ISO 9001 implementation. I worked closely with teams across our organization to review processes, clarify roles, and build a structured, documented quality management system. Through that work, I gained a deeper understanding of our people and how each role contributes to operational excellence. We achieved certification and have proudly remained compliant since 2017.
