More than ever, women are not only in the mix of what’s going on in our communities — they are leading the charge. They are making big decisions and they are doing the hard work to make things happen every day. But they are also our mentors, cheerleaders and confidants. From the front office to the front lines to the family front, they inspire us. Read on to learn more about some of the women who are making their own marks at business and at home. Their impact has and will mean better things for Northeast Ohio, and we can’t wait to see how they keep leading the pack.
Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells
Chief Executive Officer
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells has a deep commitment to the public sector and making sure public services work for the public, whatever those public services may be. “In my case it happens to be wastewater treatment and stormwater management, but ensuring that those systems provide comprehensive public services, that’s one of my touchstones,” she says. “My leadership philosophy is that you need to keep things moving forward so other people can do their work. This means making decisions and being clear in your thinking, your leadership and your strategy, and having a sense of urgency to your work.”
Kathryn Crestani
Enterprise Biosolids and Residuals Superintendent
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Kathryn Crestani says the most important thing in her daily work is fostering and supporting a team environment and ensuring her team has the resources it needs to do the work in the fast-paced, high-automation specialty of incineration and power generation. “The team is stronger than just one. You can have some star performers, but a star performer can only do so much.”
Kate Rybarczyk
Assistant Superintendent,
Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Naturally inclined to fix things, solve puzzles and troubleshoot, Kate Rybarczyk was drawn to the skilled trades and eventually became the district’s first female mehanical maintenance manager before being promoted to assistant superintendent. “I lead with more of a coaching style,” she says. “It’s very important to get consensus and buy-in from your team, especially if you want to implement any initiative.”
Cathy Glisic
Assistant Superintendent,
Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Making it a priority to spend time with interns and entry-level employees, Cathy Glisic embraces a servant-style leadership listening and learning about her team members. “I value their input. I encourage everyone to give their opinions and then we all collaborate amongst ourselves here at the plant, and then also with other departments in our organization. I’m committed to helping my team members grow professionally”
CarrieAnne McConnell
Superintendent, Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
CarrieAnne McConnell worked her way up through the wastewater industry from her early days picking up gravel with her brother when they went to work with their father, who was the superintendent of the wastewater plant in Wellington. “I have a really holistic view of wastewater, of what we do protecting this jewel that we have up here on the North Coast. I have fantastic people who work here with me so I focus on providing them the resources and space to do all the things they can do.”
