Inside MHI

Stephanie Kithcart
Membership Coordinator

WHY WERE YOU ATTRACTED TO MHI AND TO THIS INDUSTRY AS A CAREER CHOICE?
To be honest, this industry and MHI found me. I was looking for a job and posted on social media what my skills were, and I was encouraged to apply. I had no idea that a company could be this supportive and a job could be this fulfilling and challenging.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST SKILLS THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR POSITION AT MHI?
I love people. I am passionate about customer service and creating and maintaining relationships. I love helping our members and getting to know about their companies and how MHI benefits them.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE GREATEST SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT (PROFESSIONALLY) AT THE END OF THE DAY?
This is going to sound so silly, but I LOVE having zero emails needing action from me at the end of each day. I work hard to keep my inbox clear so that I never feel rushed or overexerted when I come in the next day.

WHAT ASPECT OF THE INDUSTRY IS MOST INTRIGUING TO YOU?
I knew next to nothing about this industry prior to starting here. Knowing that this industry touches everything my family purchases and uses has really been an incredible learning experience.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE. ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, YOU CAN USUALLY FIND ME…
Drinking coffee, watching The Food Network with my family and doggies.

WHAT ARE YOU HAPPIEST DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
I am always happiest when I am with my family. My entire life’s goal was to be a mom, and I was blessed to have that happen x5. I love supporting them in their passions, whether that is hockey, animals, science or fashion. Watching them grow and seeing who they are becoming is so rewarding, even though it breaks my heart that they are growing up.

WHAT WOULD YOUR PERFECT DINNER ENTRÉE INCLUDE?
FISH! Raw, broiled, baked, fried, all the fish. I could honestly be a pescatarian if my family would eat fish as much as me!

WHAT EVENT/EXCURSION (IN YOUR LIFE) WOULD YOU CONSIDER ADVENTUROUS OR ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL?
Adopting my girls from different countries (Latvia and Colombia) was definitely two of the most meaningful (and adventurous) events of my life. Living in another country for a month, waiting on the legal process to take place, is both terrifying and exhilarating.

Doris Santos
Membership Experience Manager

WHY WERE YOU ATTRACTED TO MHI AND TO THIS INDUSTRY AS A CAREER CHOICE?
I first learned about MHI when I was working for one of their member companies, and what stood out was their deep expertise and the genuine partnerships they build with members. Being part of the nation’s largest material handling, logistics and supply chain association is exciting, especially knowing the impact we have on industry professionals through the knowledge, connections and leadership we provide.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST SKILLS THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR POSITION AT MHI?
Relationship building is what I bring most to my role at MHI. With over 20 years of experience in membership associations, I’m organized, a strong listener and genuinely invested in understanding and advocating for our members’ needs. Building trusted relationships and being a true partner is what I enjoy most.

WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF THAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR ROLE AT MHI IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Over the next year, my goal is to continue strengthening relationships with our members by ensuring they clearly understand and fully engage with the value MHI offers. I want to keep improving how members experience MHI by identifying opportunities to improve communication, streamline processes and connect members with the right resources at the right time. Ultimately, I want to keep being that trusted partner who helps members feel supported, heard and confident in their investment in MHI.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE GREATEST SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT (PROFESSIONALLY) AT THE END OF THE DAY?
My greatest sense of accomplishment comes from knowing I’ve helped provide clarity and direction to members when they need it most. Whether it’s guiding them to the right resources or being a trusted point of contact, ending the day knowing a member feels heard, supported and confident in their next steps is incredibly rewarding.

WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Top of my bucket list? I’d love to stay in one of those overwater bungalows in the Maldives. The idea of waking up to turquoise water right beneath you and all around you would be incredible and so relaxing. I’ve been talking about it for years, so now I just need to actually do it!

FINISH THIS SENTENCE. ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, YOU CAN USUALLY FIND ME…
On Sunday mornings, especially from March through November here in the Midwest, you’ll usually find me on my patio with coffee in hand, enjoying the birds chirping and sunlight peeking through the trees while a wood fire crackles beside me. We built our outdoor living space six years ago, and it’s easily been my favorite home investment by far. There’s something so peaceful about quiet mornings outside paired with the warmth of the fire that I absolutely love.

WHAT ARE YOU HAPPIEST DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
When I’m not working, I’m either with my family creating experiences together or enjoying quiet time with my garden and diamond art. One of our favorite family activities is tackling escape rooms. We’ve completed around 20 in the last four years and love the challenge! During spring and summer, I tend to flowers and greenery, creating a private, garden‑like sanctuary around our patio. When the Midwest winters hit, diamond art and escape rooms keep me busy. Whether it’s solving puzzles with my family, helping plants flourish or piecing together diamond art canvases one gem at a time, those moments recharge me most.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?
Any hockey team, hands down! I love the Chicago Blackhawks, but my absolute favorite was watching my middle son’s travel club team during the 10 years he played. Something about the cool arena, the sound of the puck on the ice and the raw intensity of hockey just gets me every time.