MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
Debbie White
Allison McNulty
The people who work at MHI and its WERC division are the gears that keep the association moving. They ensure MHI continues to be a valuable association and resource for people involved in the industry and do so with wit, competence and a smile on their face. The goal of this column in MHI Solutions magazine is to give readers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at MHI and “meet” the people who make it a successful hub for everyone involved in the material handling industry.
For this issue, Debbie White and Allison McNulty give us a peek into what they do, how they do it, what drives them and what makes them happy after a long, productive day at work.
Debbie White
Senior Staff Accountant
What was your first impression of this industry, and has it changed since then?
My first experience with the industry was back in the early ‘90s when I worked in the corrugated industry. We were a sheet-to-box plant, so I was exposed to everything from the raw material, to manufacturing of the boxes and/or displays, to when it shipped out the door. I was exposed to every piece of equipment in the plant, warehouse and shipping operations. That was my first hands-on experience with material handling and supply chain. The change in the industry has been monumental since then. Now I get to see the growth and change in material handling and supply chain through the MODEX and ProMat shows that MHI produces. I’ve seen an amazing transformation in the industry along with the direction that technology is taking it.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
Of my many skills, I feel my innate sense of responsibility, attention to detail and over 30 years of experience in accounting are at the top of my list.
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in your role at MHI in the next year?
My main goal is simple, and that’s to always be an asset to MHI and my fellow colleagues.
What aspect of the industry is most intriguing to you?
To me, there isn’t just one aspect that’s intriguing. It’s the entire material handling and supply chain industry as a whole and the absolute necessity of these two coming together—the world literally comes to a stop without them.
Do you have any unique skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
Some people may not know that I am also a wildlife and nature photographer. I have a website, do commissioned work and sell prints.
What is the last book you read?
I recently read Grizzly 399, The World’s Most Famous Mother Bear, by Thomas Mangelsen and Todd Wilkinson. It’s more of a documentary of this iconic grizzly bear who lives in Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I’m happiest being out in nature hiking and photographing, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains and Acadia National Park.
What are some causes you care about?
I care deeply about what is happening to our natural spaces and wildlife. I support the Naturaland Trust that protects the Blue Ridge mountains of South Carolina, Nature First, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the Glacier National Park Conservancy. I see firsthand how people and the changes in our environment affects these beautiful places and the wildlife living there.
Allison McNulty
Knowledge Center Coordinator, WERC
What’s a typical day like for you?
Every day is different, but that’s what keeps things exciting! I am the main point of contact for our phone line where calls come in regarding membership, our educational courses and the WERC Conference. I assist with all the components of the WERC Conference and, depending where we are in the show cycle for the year, we work on building out a timeline for the event, loading the registration components in our system so we can go live, assisting with registration questions and assisting our sponsorship lead with sponsorship fulfillment. I also work with our conference speakers to obtain their bios, headshots and assist with the submission of their abstracts for the conference. I also provide support within our Knowledge Center in helping review our educational courses and provide feedback before the courses are launched on our website.
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in your role at MHI in the next year?
One of the goals I had for this year was to continue to grow and learn within my current role and to schedule some opportunities for myself for professional development. I recently participated in the MHEDA Emerging Leaders Conference in Chicago, which was a wonderful experience and provided many takeaways I look forward to implementing in my day-to-day work. I am also very excited to participate in the MHI Leadership Program in September and can’t wait to continue to learn and find opportunities to utilize this new knowledge in the workplace.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
The greatest sense of accomplishment for me is being able to provide great customer service and see our members happy. Small things can really make a big difference and it’s so easy to extend kindness and help; it’s very rewarding and fulfilling for me. Seeing our members and participants happy and engaged at our conferences and trade shows really means a lot to me.
What aspect of the industry is most intriguing to you?
I am always super impressed with automation and robotics. The talent in the engineering and thought process to execute these technological advances are just outstanding to me. I love walking the show floor at MODEX and ProMat and seeing the years of work come to life at the exhibiting companies’ booths. I enjoy having conversations with our members about what their company creates and hearing more about their areas of expertise.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Traveling overseas, exploring and seeing as much of the world as possible. Also, to have some quiet vacations in tropical locations with a lot of relaxing and pool time.
Do you have any unique skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I’ve studied dance since I was four years old, through college, and currently, still as an adult. I managed and instructed at a dance studio a few years ago, then the pandemic happened, and I taught virtually via Zoom until we could safely go back to the studio. That was a unique experience, and it was nice to still be engaged with our students online when we couldn’t be in person. I still head back to the studio every weekend—it’s my favorite form of exercise, as well as some ‘me time,’ and I really enjoy the community the owners have created at the studio.
What are some causes you care about?
In our community, we have a local philanthropy, the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club, where I have been an active member for the past five years. I served as the co-chair of the Education Committee for two years before transitioning into the two-year role of vice president and president. Our goal has always been to raise money to be able to give back to the community and this year, as I concluded my presidency, we raised money to give back to the community in the forms of a charity partner, education, helping families in need with Thanksgiving meals and holiday gifts and philanthropy requests to deserving local non-profits. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this amazing group of ladies and embrace the spirit of giving alongside the group.
Do you have a favorite holiday?
Yes! Halloween ALL the way! I go all out with costumes for the day and Halloween parties, as well as decorating the house. I usually start planning the day after Halloween for the next year and brainstorming the theme for the next year. I also love a themed party, and in recent years, we’ve had themed nights at our conferences—I have enjoyed dressing up for the themes of Havana Nights and Cowboy Couture.