February 2026 Volume 8

OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

For Katie, that meant staying curious, being open to learning, and trusting that the company would support her growth. “Charter led me through learning. They led me through opportunities I never thought I’d experience.” Empathy is Not a Weakness As a woman in operations leadership, Katie acknowledges the challenges. “You don’t see a lot of women in leadership roles, especially in operations,” she says. Early on, she sometimes felt dismissed or overlooked. Over time, she learned how to navigate those moments—by being prepared, professional, and willing to speak up. “Sometimes you have to stand on your own two feet and say it again—just a little louder.” Katie also believes women bring something powerful to leadership: empathy. “Women often show up a little softer,” she says. “People feel heard. They feel seen. They feel comfortable being open.” While kindness can sometimes be mistaken for weakness, Katie sees it as a strength—especially at Charter, where leading with empathy is not only encouraged, but expected. Advice for Anyone Just Starting Out For new employees—or anyone unsure of their next step—Katie’s advice is straightforward: “Just show up.” She encourages people not to close themselves off to conversations, training, or feedback—even if they don’t know what they want

yet. Saying “I don’t know, but I want to do more” is enough to start. As a leader, Katie looks for ownership. When someone shares what they want to explore, she helps connect their strengths with business needs—whether that’s continuous improvement project participation, 5S training, or customer visits. Growth begins with curiosity and the courage to speak up. The Moment That Says It All Katie’s favorite part of her job isn’t a title or a milestone—it’s a moment. A young employee approached her after an all-employee meeting to share that he and his wife had just bought their first home. He understood what Charter had made possible for his family and his future. “That’s when it hits you,” Katie says. “The things we do every day are changing lives—our employees, their families, our communities.” That’s why she keeps showing up. Amber Bonacci Director of Technical Services Charter Steel Email: bonaccia@chartersteel.com

SUPPLIERS GUIDE AND RFQ

Stop hunting. Start sourcing. With the FIA Suppliers Guide, tap into a curated list of material and equipment suppliers. And when your need is unique, submit a custom RFQ and connect with the perfect partner — all in one place.

www.forging.org/ suppliers-guide

www.forging.org info@forging.org (216) 781-6260

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2026 47