Meet NAW’s 2026 Ladies in Distribution — Pt. 3

Editor’s Be aware: That is the third in a four-part sequence. Learn Half 1 right here, Half 2 right here and keep tuned for Half 4.

MDM continues to acknowledge the 2026 NAW Ladies in Distribution, an annual distinction, introduced by MDM, to acknowledge girls making a significant impression throughout the distribution {industry}.

We proceed our third installment of honoree profiles by highlighting 5 leaders throughout a variety of roles — from enterprise integration and logistics to government management and governance — demonstrating how distribution continues to evolve by way of innovation, strategic transformation and powerful organizational management. From family-owned companies to international enterprises, these honorees showcase the varied paths and views shaping the {industry}’s future.

Learn Half 2 right here, that includes leaders from Security Companies, Endries, Wesco, Benco Dental and Vallen. See the complete record of 2026 NAW Ladies in Distribution honorees right here.

Learn on for this group’s profiles, and keep tuned for the remaining installments of NAW’s 2026 Ladies in Distribution sequence, introduced by MDM in alphabetical order.

LAST CALL: MDM 2026 High Distributors Submissions are Due March 31

Take a look at the 2025 Ladies in Distribution right here.

Recognition at SHIFT 

Moreover publishing the 2026 NAW Ladies in Distribution honorees right here on the MDM web site, we’re additionally excited to acknowledge them at MDM’s marquee occasion of the yr, SHIFT 2026 — The Way forward for Distribution happening Might 12–14 in Denver. All through SHIFT, we’ll highlight these standout leaders — from rising stars to seasoned executives — whose imaginative and prescient and impression are shaping the way forward for the {industry}. Honorees can be featured on the primary stage and acknowledged throughout a devoted Ladies in Distribution reception, creating a strong second for connection, inspiration and industry-wide recognition.

Eva Heller — Vice President of Enterprise Integration & Actual Property at ADI World Distribution

“Eva is the individual you name when the work is difficult, the stakes are excessive and also you want somebody who can each repair the issue and pull the group collectively within the course of. Her profession is a blueprint for future girls in distribution: versatile, brave, people-centered, and relentlessly dedicated to operational excellence.” — Allie Copeland, ADI World CCO and one in every of our 2021 Ladies in Distribution

Years in Wholesale Distribution: 12

How did you get into this {industry}? I started my profession in retail, beginning at Bloomingdale’s throughout a interval when stock planning was rising as a strategic self-discipline somewhat than an administrative operate. Early on, I used to be lucky to have a mentor who blended robust analytical rigor with enterprise acumen, which helped form how I strategy management as we speak.

I went on to deepen my expertise in demand and provide planning at Mattress Bathtub & Past, the place I helped develop extra structured provider collaboration processes. That basis in the end led me to ADI World Distribution in 2014, the place I noticed a chance to remodel stock planning into a real enterprise partnership and impression operate. From there, my profession expanded past planning into broader distribution operations, actual property, M&A integration and enterprise transformation.

What do you want most about your position on this {industry}? The final 12 years in industrial distribution have been probably the most dynamic and rewarding of my profession. What I worth most is the chance to create impression throughout your entire enterprise — from operations and actual property to know-how, M&A integration and buyer expertise.

My position permits me to work cross-functionally with gross sales groups, suppliers, clients and inner stakeholders to unravel complicated issues and allow development. I take pleasure in working on the intersection of technique and execution, the place disciplined processes and powerful collaboration translate instantly into enterprise outcomes.

What has been your most rewarding profession expertise? Probably the most rewarding a part of my profession has been main with a people-first mindset whereas delivering significant enterprise outcomes. Earlier in my profession, I felt stress to undertake a extra inflexible management persona to earn credibility on the desk. That strategy by no means felt genuine to me.

I lead by observing fastidiously, assessing information, and making considerate choices grounded in each information and empathy. ADI has supported that management fashion, and I’ve seen firsthand the way it creates belief, engagement and powerful outcomes. Watching staff members develop into assured leaders — and understanding I helped create an atmosphere the place they might do this — has been extremely fulfilling.

Out of your profession, is there an organization initiative or accomplishment you’re notably happy with? Or any key initiative that you simply led? I’m happy with a number of initiatives I’ve led which have delivered tangible enterprise impression, together with constructing ADI’s stock and demand planning operate from the bottom up and establishing core processes, instruments, and built-in enterprise planning practices.

However what I’m most happy with is the impression I’ve had on creating individuals. To me, robust management means creating an atmosphere the place staff members are profitable of their roles and fulfilled of their work. Empowering others to develop into assured leaders has been a constant focus all through my profession.

Not too long ago, a lady chief on my staff acquired an {industry} award and mentioned in her acceptance speech, “Eva Heller confirmed me what sort of feminine chief I wish to be — highly effective but deeply human.” That second reaffirmed that management is not only about outcomes, however in regards to the legacy you permit by way of individuals.

Pamela Hill — Director of Warehouse and Logistics at Mighty Distributing Methods of America

“Pam has navigated tariffs, provide chain points, stock development, worldwide shipments, inflation, personnel, constructing wants and extra. Most significantly, she did so whereas sustaining a 48-hour order turnaround and 97% fill fee to our clients. Her service to Mighty is unmatched, and he or she and her staff are repeatedly cited as distinctive by Mighty’s clients.” — Josh D’Agostino, President & CEO, Mighty Distributing System of America

Years in Wholesale Distribution: 27

How did you get into this {industry}? I began at Mighty simply after graduating from highschool, working within the warehouse. Through the years, I gained expertise throughout a number of departments and steadily superior inside the firm. Whereas working full-time, I additionally attended faculty at evening and earned my bachelor’s diploma in enterprise administration.

What do you want most about your position on this {industry}? I take pleasure in working within the distribution {industry} as a result of it’s fast-paced and performs a crucial position in protecting operations working easily. I just like the problem-solving side of the job, working with completely different groups, and seeing the direct impression of my work. I additionally worth the alternatives for development and steady enchancment, which have allowed me to develop my expertise over time.

What has been your most rewarding profession expertise? All through my profession, I’ve had the chance to steer and develop groups, drive enhancements in operational effectivity and guarantee correct, on-time supply. Certainly one of my most vital accomplishments was serving to lead the setup and implementation of an ERP system and automatic machines, which streamlined processes, improved stock accuracy and enhanced total productiveness.

It has been particularly rewarding to see the direct impression of those enhancements — not solely in stronger staff efficiency but in addition in elevated buyer satisfaction. Equally necessary to me has been the flexibility to mentor others, help their skilled development and construct a collaborative atmosphere the place people really feel empowered to succeed.

Tina Hueppe — President & CEO at Marshall Wolf Automation

“She has quietly reengineered the corporate and constructed it right into a world-class group by combining cutting-edge know-how with Midwestern household values.” — Frank Hurtte, Founding father of River Heights Consulting 

Years in Wholesale Distribution: 35

How did you get into this {industry}? I used to be born into it. My dad began the enterprise once I was 14, and as a substitute of a typical after-school job, I used to be following up on gross sales leads, studying fundamental accounting, and tagging alongside on buyer visits. He needed me snug in a room filled with enterprise leaders early on. Through the years I’ve labored nearly each place within the firm, from supply driver and warehouse packer to receptionist and customer support. It was the most effective hands-on training I may have requested for.

What do you want most about your position on this {industry}? The individuals, with out query. I like assembly everybody from {industry} veterans to model new hires simply beginning out. Everybody has a narrative. Certainly one of my favourite components of {industry} occasions is working into somebody I met years in the past and selecting up proper the place we left off. It’s an enormous {industry} that in some way nonetheless feels small.

What has been your most rewarding profession expertise? Taking up the corporate after my dad’s sudden passing and rising it into what he all the time envisioned. It was each the toughest and most significant chapter of my profession.

Out of your profession, is there an organization initiative or accomplishment you’re notably happy with? Or any key initiative that you simply led? Main a full restructuring of our firm has been probably the most impactful initiative of my tenure. We applied a proper strategic plan, constructed a robust core management staff and outlined clear core values. It required some tough choices, together with parting methods with longtime staff and shutting our value-added panel store. None of it was simple, nevertheless it positioned us for sustainable development and long-term success.

Some other data we should always learn about your {industry} impression? I’ve served on a number of native nonprofit boards over the previous 15 years as a result of I imagine robust companies ought to help robust communities. At the moment, I serve on the board of the Affiliation for Excessive Expertise Distribution (AHTD) and lead the expansion of its Ladies in Automation (WIA) group. Creating areas the place girls can join and develop on this {industry} is one thing I care deeply about.

Michelle A. Lewis — Impartial Board of Director and Chair of Nominating, Compensation & Governance Committee for Adentra

Years in Wholesale Distribution: 18

How did you get into this {industry}? I discovered my manner into distribution virtually accidentally, after which shortly realized it was precisely the place I belonged. Throughout enterprise faculty at Rice, I grew to become shut with a number of classmates who had been already within the {industry}. Their ardour for a enterprise that retains the world working — quietly, reliably, and at huge scale — was contagious. They ultimately recruited me into the Distribution & Transmission division of Nationwide Oilwell Varco, and that chance modified your entire arc of my profession. 

What hooked me was the mixture of operational rigor and strategic creativity. Distribution could also be a low-margin enterprise, nevertheless it rewards individuals who can see patterns, construct techniques and make disciplined selections about the place worth could be created. I beloved that problem. Through the years, our staff grew that division from roughly $500 million to almost $6 billion, in the end carving it out and taking it public as DistributionNOW (NYSE: DNOW). It was a rare expertise—seeing firsthand how a well-run distribution platform can scale, modernize, and change into a real strategic engine for purchasers. 

That early publicity cemented my perception that distribution is likely one of the most under-appreciated, high-impact sectors within the economic system. It’s the place operational excellence meets real-world drawback fixing, and I’ve been energized by it ever since. 

What do you want most about your position on this {industry}? What I take pleasure in most about serving on the board of a distribution firm is the possibility to help an {industry} that’s much more complicated, resilient and important than most individuals notice. Having spent a few years as an operator in industrial distribution earlier than becoming a member of the board of a public constructing merchandise distributor, I’ve seen firsthand the sheer vary of challenges our groups navigate day by day. From the realities of being a multi-country importer, to the technological advances which are reshaping how distributors create leverage, to the volatility of working in a dynamic and unpredictable atmosphere — there’s nothing “simple” about being a distributor. 

That’s precisely what makes the work so significant. Distribution rewards self-discipline, creativity, and long-term pondering. It’s an {industry} the place operational excellence actually issues, and the place small choices compound into actual worth for purchasers and shareholders. As a board member, I admire with the ability to deliver a distinct lens—one formed by years within the subject—to the questions we ask and the steering we provide. My aim is all the time to supply perspective that helps the chief staff make considerate, well-informed choices that strengthen the corporate and place it for the longer term. 

 What retains me energized is understanding that distribution sits on the intersection of world provide chains, know-how and real-world drawback fixing. Supporting leaders who function in that atmosphere — and serving to them navigate each the complexity and the chance — is likely one of the most rewarding components of the position. 

What has been your most rewarding profession expertise? Probably the most rewarding a part of my profession has been the privilege of serving to construct and scale organizations in an {industry} that’s much more dynamic and impactful than most individuals admire. Rising the NOV distribution division and in the end taking it public as DNOW was extraordinary — not simply due to the numbers, however due to the individuals and the aim behind them. Main a corporation of almost 6,000 gifted staff throughout greater than 30 markets gave me a entrance row seat to the grit, ingenuity and operational excellence that outline nice distributors. 

A few of my proudest moments got here from the relationships cast alongside the best way: the direct studies who grew into distinctive leaders, the colleagues who grew to become lifelong associates, and the groups who rallied by way of acquisitions, divestitures, market cycles and fixed change. These experiences formed me as a lot as anyone transaction. 

 Being requested to serve on the board of a public distribution firm has been equally significant. It’s an honor to take the teachings realized throughout NOV and DNOW within the subject and use them to help one other group and management staff. Distribution is an {industry} the place expertise actually compounds, and with the ability to contribute that perspective on the board stage is one thing I don’t take without any consideration. 

There isn’t per week that goes by once I’m not grateful for the alternatives I’ve had, the individuals who mentored me, the groups I’ve been lucky to steer and the {industry} that has given me such a wealthy and fulfilling profession. 

Out of your profession, is there an organization initiative or accomplishment you’re notably happy with? Or any key initiative that you simply led? The accomplishments that imply probably the most to me are those that basically reshaped how the group operated. As Chief Technique Officer and Head of Company Growth at DNOW, I led many acquisitions, however the work that mattered most was the operational transformation that allowed the corporate to scale with self-discipline and confidence. 

• Houston campus consolidation: Bringing ten separate areas collectively right into a single, purpose-built campus — delivered on time and underneath funds — was a structural reset that unified groups, streamlined workflows, and created an working atmosphere worthy of a worldwide distribution platform. 
• World ERP integration: After three main mergers left us working SAP, Oracle, and JDE in parallel, main the rollout of a unified system throughout 300+ areas with out disrupting the enterprise required deep cross-functional belief and operational rigor. 
• RAD (Recruit, Entice, Develop): Launching our initiative to help girls in distribution strengthened some of the necessary operational levers we’ve: the expertise pipeline. It helped construct a extra resilient, various, and future-ready workforce. 

These initiatives mattered as a result of they improved effectivity, strengthened tradition, diminished structural friction and made excellence repeatable — precisely what robust distribution corporations rely on. 

Some other data we should always learn about your {industry} impression? The work I do exterior the boardroom is an extension of my dedication to strengthening management, innovation, and long-term competitiveness throughout the distribution {industry}. Serving as CoChair for Ladies Company Administrators permits me to help and develop girls who serve on public firm boards — leaders whose governance and judgment instantly affect the way forward for industries like ours. It aligns with my perception that various, well-prepared boards create stronger, extra resilient distribution corporations. 

My position on the Advisory Committee for the College of Texas’ John Brumley Enterprise Labs retains me linked to rising applied sciences, new enterprise fashions and the subsequent technology of founders. Lots of the improvements we see — whether or not in provide chain visibility, automation, information infrastructure or workflow instruments — have direct implications for the way distributors function, scale and compete. Staying near that frontier helps me deliver a forward-looking perspective again into the boardroom. 

And whereas I’ve been lucky to obtain recognition for my work in M&A and origination, the award that has meant probably the most to me is the GRIT award. It displays the qualities that outline the distribution {industry} at its finest: resilience, adaptability, perseverance and a willingness to unravel onerous issues day after day. These are the traits this {industry} instilled in me, and they’re the identical traits I attempt to champion within the leaders and organizations I help. 

Collectively, these roles enable me to offer again to an {industry} that has formed my profession — by creating stronger leaders, supporting innovation and serving to make sure that distribution continues to thrive in a quickly altering world. 

Elisabeth Meister — Managing Director at Ludwig Meister

“Combines strategic imaginative and prescient with a private dedication to creating younger expertise and selling girls’s management.” — Marie Becker, Ludwig Meister Advertising and marketing Supervisor

Years in Wholesale Distribution: 23

How did you get into this {industry}? I grew up in a household enterprise atmosphere and was uncovered early to what entrepreneurial duty actually means. After finishing my research on the Worldwide College of Germany, I intentionally selected to hitch our household firm in 2003. 

Reasonably than stepping instantly right into a management place, I needed to grasp the enterprise from the bottom up. Over time, I took on growing duty, grew to become Managing Director in 2009, and have been main the corporate collectively with my brother since 2017. 

What do you want most about your position on this {industry}? What I worth most is the mixture of operational excellence and long-term duty. Wholesale distribution is commonly underestimated, but it types the spine of business worth chains and retains complete industries working. 

What notably appealed to me was the chance not solely to proceed a longtime firm however to actively additional develop it. A household enterprise carries historical past, values and belief – and that represents each privilege and duty. On the similar time, this robust basis creates room to introduce new impulses, modernize buildings, and actively form the longer term. 

I admire the complexity of guaranteeing reliability, availability, and repair high quality in dynamic markets. On the similar time, I take pleasure in shaping organizational tradition – creating readability in management roles, fostering accountability, and constructing an organization that mixes efficiency with robust values. 

In succession, I see a singular type of entrepreneurial duty: preserving what has confirmed itself whereas having the braveness to provoke significant change. This stability between continuity and transformation is what makes my position on this {industry} notably fulfilling.  

What has been your most rewarding profession expertise? One of the rewarding experiences was serving to rework our firm from a strongly native buying and selling companion right into a well-connected European participant. 

One of the rewarding experiences of my profession has been serving to rework our firm from a strongly native buying and selling companion right into a well-connected European participant. This transformation required constructing strategic partnerships throughout borders, strengthening cooperative networks, and positioning our firm as a dependable companion inside European provide ideas. Seeing our group evolve whereas sustaining its cultural basis has been deeply fulfilling.  

Equally rewarding was the second when Max and I assumed full duty for the corporate. Getting into that management position meant not solely being accountable, however additionally having the chance to actively form the group in response to our imaginative and prescient. Aligning the corporate’s long-term path with concrete organizational initiatives—and guiding that course of by way of considerate change administration—has been an particularly significant a part of my skilled journey. 

Out of your profession, is there an organization initiative or accomplishment you’re notably happy with? Or any key initiative that you simply led? One accomplishment I’m notably happy with is strengthening our firm’s visibility and popularity throughout the European market. By means of my engagement within the EPTDA (EMEA Energy Transmission Distributors Affiliation), the place I had the privilege of serving as President from 2014 to 2015, we had been capable of considerably improve our European {industry} presence. On the similar time, we helped set up a robust worldwide distributor community, enabling nearer cooperation between companions and bettering entry to European sourcing and provide buildings. 

Internally, an equally necessary focus has been the continual improvement of our firm’s technique and group. We launched a extra structured strategic improvement course of and applied the OKR (Aims and Key Outcomes) framework as a administration methodology to higher align long-term imaginative and prescient with operational execution. Alongside this, we reorganized our gross sales construction to create a extra market-oriented strategy and to strengthen buyer proximity throughout our completely different segments. 

A central component all through these initiatives has been change administration. For us, the flexibility of management, staff, and the group as an entire to navigate change is a crucial functionality. Creating this mindset — combining strategic readability with adaptability and open communication — has been important for efficiently reworking the corporate whereas sustaining its long-term path.  

As well as, I’ve positioned robust emphasis on the cultural improvement of the group. This contains clarifying management roles, fostering vertical transparency in order that concepts and views can emerge from all ranges of the corporate, and shaping a tradition that mixes entrepreneurial braveness with a robust sense of long-term duty. For me, this cultural basis is important, as a result of sustainable enterprise success in the end relies upon on the individuals who form the group day by day. 

Some other data we should always learn about your {industry} impression?

• Winner of the 2024 Provide Chain Award for Revolutionary Options within the Provide Chain 
• Acknowledged as a Kununu High Firm for 5 consecutive years 
• President of the EPTDA (EMEA Energy Transmission Distributors Affiliation), 2014–2015 
• Lively supporter of Gründwerk Dachau, selling entrepreneurship and regional innovation 
• Board member of an area childcare group 
• Household help of Deal with Africa, selling equal alternatives for youngsters globally