Treasury Management Association of Chicago

Company: Composites One LLC

Job Title: Area Credit Manager

Job Description: I started my career thinking it would be fun to be an Accountant (You don't have to say it!) and spent my early years doing Payroll taxes, Corporate consolidations, Pension Investments and International Accounting for the Quaker Oats Company. A former TMAC member, Rick Sessions, helped me see the light and offered me a position in Cash Management handling all those projects no one has time to complete. As a result, I was able to reduce our bank accounts from over 300 to a more manageable 32 as well as reduce our bank relationships from 32 to 8. (Yes, there really were that many banks way back then!) Unfortunately for me, my 19 wonderful years with Quaker came to an end when Pepsi decided that Gatorade was just the thing to complement their beverage line. I was very fortunate to find another job in Cash Management for a Dow/Honeywell joint venture called UOP LLC. What a unique opportunity this offered! Sales were 75% International so I was exposed to many new issues and headaches as you can imagine. I received my Six Sigma Green Belt as well as the challenge of moving on to manage the Credit Department. I thought this was an insane idea, one my bosses clearly thought was a stroke of genius as he gave away my old job before I even accepted. Thus, a Credit Maven was born. As it turned out, this was a good move. When Honeywell eliminated the Credit Department, I was able to once again find the job of my dreams, a Credit Manager at Composites One.

Getting to Know You: I am a single mother of four wonderful (most days anyway) not so young children. My sons are 21 and 15, daughters are 16 and 19. Thanks, condolences are appreciated, and I'll bet you now have a much better understanding of why I drool and stare into space! We are the proud owners of 4 cats, each unique in their own way, as well as a bearded dragon that eats smelly crickets. None of the pets are mine, but guess who does most of the tending?

Neighborhood News: We live in beautiful Lisle, wedged between our more well known neighbors of Downers Grove and Naperville. We have a big 3/4 acre yard with lots of wildlife and room to roam. Lisle has a very small town feel. I always seemed to know when the kids had an issue before they would even get home to tell me! They think I psychic, don't tell them I pay people to spill the beans! The Morton Arboretum is a favorite of ours as well as the water park and walking paths.

Down Time: Both of my daughters are sports nuts. I have seen hundreds of volleyball, basketball and softball games in my career as a sports mom. I also know more about skateboards, ramps, and paintball guns than most moms should. I enjoy reading, watching my kids play sports, playing volleyball, listening to all kinds of music and having fun each and every day.

Fun Facts: Shh! Don't tell anyone, but my dream is to own my own motorcycle!

Back to Business: I have already gained more from my TMAC membership than I would have ever hoped for. I have a great network of business associates, some very close friendships and continuous education from the seminars and conferences that are offered.

Joining TMAC: I was a guest at many of the TMAC meetings back in my Quaker Oats days when memberships were limited to 2 from each company. Melody Hart and Rick Sessions were our members and encouraged me to attend the meetings to enhance my education as well as network with all of you. As you can see, I must have enjoyed it as I am still with you! I have been on the Program Committee, the Windy City Summit Program Committee and the Membership Committee.