We are excited to announce the exceptional committee members leading the way for IDCO’s Women’s Leadership Group.  These leaders bring diverse experiences and expertise and are dedicated to driving positive change and empowerment within our network of talented women.  Please welcome the following committee members:

Alexandra “Ali” Kirtley—Marketing Director, PT Coupling

Ali has been appointed Chair of the Women’s Leadership Group Committee. She has nearly five years in the manufacturing industry, with 10 years of experience in the communication field with an emphasis on education. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring all aspects of internal and external communication, digital marketing, brand awareness, and product marketing.

In May 2022, Ali received the “Top 10 Women of Influence” award through E-Town Magazine; and was one of 11 winners awarded for the Manufacturing, Industry, Trades, and Agriculture Category for the “NextGen Under 30 Award”.

She received her Bachelor of Mass Communication from Northwestern Oklahoma State University (2015) and her Master of Education in Adult Education Management and Administration (2017).

She is involved on various committees and boards such as NAHAD Technology Committee, IDCO Women’s Group (current Chair), PT’s THRIVE Committee, NWOSU Foundation & Alumni Association (current President), Division of Business at NWOSU – Advisory Council, Enid Young Professionals (current President), INTEGRIS Bass President’s Philanthropic Council, Main Street Enid.

Ali graduated from Leadership Greater Enid (Class 30) in May 2021 and previously served on boards and committees such as the Enid Women in Business Advisory Committee, the 2020 Census Committee for Northwest Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists.

When Ali isn’t in the office or volunteering, she enjoys being on the family wheat farm and building her first drag car, a 2000 z28 Camaro, while studying for her Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification.

Mary Melton Hale—President, Cross Hose & Fittings: 

Mary is a member of the IDCO Board of Directors and is currently serving as the IDCO Secretary/Treasurer. She lives in Asheville, NC, with her husband, Jim, and their fur baby, Fozzy. They are minority partners in a local brewery, The Wedge, where they enjoy socializing with friends. Their two children and five grandchildren also live in Western North Carolina.

Mary worked with Asheville Hose & Equipment, the family business, until they were acquired by Cross Company in 2007. She is the President of Cross Hose & Fittings, which is one of the five divisions within the ESOP business of Cross. As a Parker Distributor, Mary has served as the regional representative for the Distributor Advisory Council and the Retail Advisory Council. She is currently serving as the IDCO Secretary / Treasurer.

When not working, Mary loves to travel, knit, drink bourbon, and spend time with her husband and grandkids.

Lydia Rice —Director of eCommerce and Digital Marketing, TIPCO Technologies.

Coming to TIPCO as a Marketing intern, Lydia has experienced firsthand the plentiful opportunities for women in the Fluid Conveyance Distribution industry. Within one year, Lydia implemented a Product Information Management (PIM) solution, full eCommerce integration, and website rebranding for TIPCO. In her free time, she enjoys visiting the local Delaware beaches, gardening, and spending time with her family. Lydia is excited to serve on this committee to foster community and develop resources that support the talented women of IDCO.

Karen May— Corporate Marketing Manager, HBD Industries

Karen has over 30 years of experience in organizational and marketing communication, spending the past 10+ years in industrial manufacturing. She also spent five years with the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society. She and her husband, Mike, have two adult daughters and currently reside in Tennessee.

Katina Yoakum —Director of Online Business and Marketing, Hose of South Texas.

With her unwavering passion for the digital landscape, she has been instrumental in transforming the company’s online presence and driving significant business growth. Katina has harnessed the power of technology and creativity to develop innovative strategies that have set Hose of South Texas apart from its competitors.

She holds a master’s degree in industrial Distribution and stays at the forefront of industry trends through continuous learning and attending conferences and workshops. In her spare time, Katina loves to travel with her family, always looking for the next adventure. As Hose of South Texas continues to flourish, Katina remains committed to driving excellence in the online business and marketing arena and inspiring others to break barriers and make their mark in the digital world.

Katina believes the IDCO Women’s Leadership Committee is important because it empowers women, breaks stereotypes, enhances organizational performance, and fosters a more inclusive society and workplace. The support this committee will provide to women will give future women coming into this industry the mentorship and advocacy needed to help lead and retain an attractive and diverse talent pool.

Kim Hunley—Director of Marketing, ARG Industrial, Spokane Branch 

Joining ARG in 2018, Kim has blended her administrative background with a focus on marketing and communications. She is proud to be part of the growing IDCO women’s community, with a desired focus on education and development. She spends downtime with her husband and children, enjoying the outdoors and sights around their home in Eastern Washington State.

IDCO’s Initiative for Women: Leadership, Networking, and Growth

IDCO’s Women’s Leadership Group empowers female members by providing a platform for strengthening their voices within the network and fostering career growth in the industrial distribution industry. With a focus on networking, knowledge-sharing, and relevant discussions, the group aims to encourage collaboration among women from member and supplier companies, offering valuable tools for women in their businesses. Any woman within IDCO can join this inclusive and supportive community.

If you would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] or [email protected]. We eagerly anticipate the growth and success of the Women’s Leadership Group as we continue to foster a community for women in IDCO.