Join us for an empowering women-led panel where bold ideas, leadership journeys, and meaningful dialogue take center stage.

To bring these conversations to life, we’re joined by an inspiring group of women. Here’s a look at the panelists who will be leading today’s discussion.

We have 3 panalist Alicia Murphy Chief People Officer of Van Meter, Inc, Caitlin Russell President of Russell and Marcy Mendenhall CEO SAL Community Services.

Alicia Murphy served as the Chief People Officer of Van Meter, Inc., a national electrical distributor for over 16 years. As the head of all things People and Culture, Alicia is passionate about organizational strategy, alignment, and people-centered programs that propelled the company’s 80+ percent employee engagement and nationally renowned reputation for its culture.  Her programs were instrumental in multiplying business performance, with the results of the 100 percent employee-owned company tied directly to earnings.

As a business-focused executive, Alicia is committed to helping companies reimagine culture and leadership development as an intentional business strategy rather than an HR initiative.  As she moves to the next chapter of her professional journey, she is actively seeking either consulting or board of directors opportunities.

You’ll often hear Alicia say, “People plus progress to help maximize the performance of the company.”

Caitlin Russell serves as President of Russell, a leading commercial construction and real estate firm, and represents the company’s second generation of leadership. A dynamic and strategic leader, Caitlin drives companywide vision and performance while fostering strong relationships with clients and partners. She leads Russell’s real estate strategy, including acquisitions, leasing, and dispositions, and provides owner direction on design and construction for Russell developments. Under her leadership, Russell has achieved record growth, expanded into Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri, and earned recognition as an ENR Top 400 Contractor and Best Place to Work, reflecting her people-focused, results-driven approach.

Marcy Mendenhall, LISW, RPT serves as CEO SAL Community Services she is a highly trained, experienced leader who engages with a wide variety of stakeholders through communication, coaching, and data- driven decision making while managing a multi-faceted organization, adhering to state and federal regulations, and positively promoting early care and education. She is a caring and innovative individual who seeks out and recognizes emerging sociological and economic trends to connect with and amplify strengths with children, individuals, families, and stakeholders. In her current position, she directs, administers, and coordinates the activities of the organization in accordance with policies, goals and objectives established by the Board of Directors; assists the Board in developing organizational policies and goals that cover operations, personnel, financial performance, and growth; recognizes industry direction, and adapts the agency plan to ensure future success and viability. Overseeing and providing leadership for operations, finances, resource development, and marketing facets of agency, Marcy guides and directs employees in the development, performance, and promotion of the agency. She directs the development and preparation of short-term and long-term plans and budgets based on the organizational goals and objectives.