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T H E 2 0 2 4 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 1, 2024 B13 Katherine Lane Managing Director, SOX Compliance Webster Bank K atherine (Katie) Lane leads the financial controls program at Webster Bank, overseeing the company's Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program as well as reconciliation governance. Prior to Webster Bank, Lane was responsible for the SOX and internal audit programs at Farmington Bank (acquired by M&T Bank). She started her career in public accounting at PwC, focusing on both external and internal audits of public financial institutions. Lane received her bachelor's degree in accounting from UConn and is a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? During my tenure at Webster, I developed a best-in-class SOX compliance program, result- ing in a stronger understanding of financial risks and controls across the organization, early identification of control gaps, and timely resolution of issues. I recently took on the challenge of leading the company's new reconciliation governance program, and am excited for the opportunity to diversify my skill set. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? I am working toward a promotion to senior managing director and continuing to take on increasing levels of responsibility in the accounting organization at Webster. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? One of the biggest professional challenges I've overcome was leading the SOX integration during Webster's merger with Sterling National Bank, and navigating the remediation of a material weakness in logical access controls. How are you involved in the community? I am a mentor in the UConn network and previously served on the board of directors for Bristol Adult Resource Center. What are your keys to maintaining business success? Being transparent, fostering collaboration and holding myself and others accountable have been my keys to success throughout my career. As a relatively new working mom, I have also found that 'giving myself grace' in everything I do has been crucial to balancing my career and my home life. Runa Knapp Chief Business Development Officer FoundHer R una Knapp is the chief business development officer and co-founder of FoundHer, a full-service certified benefit corporation (B Corp) recruiting company focused on helping mothers return to the workforce after a career break. Knapp's success in the recruiting business resulted from qualities she picked up during her professional career at KPMG: the ability to quickly but diligently establish relation- ships, create meaningful connections, and provide unmatched client service. Along with her day-to-day recruiting responsibil- ities, she is responsible for all financial aspects of the business. Knapp spearheaded FoundHer's certification as a B Corp and has been featured as a thought leader in several media outlets. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? I've contributed significantly to FoundHer's post-COVID revenue growth of 130% by successfully sourcing clients and securing placements. I also spearheaded FoundHer's efforts to achieve B Corp certification. FoundHer is the only women-led and focused B Corp-certified recruiting agency in the country, achieving and maintaining the status since spring 2022. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Brittany Isherwood President Burke Aerospace B rittany Isherwood is the president of Farmington-based Burke Aerospace, headquartered in Farmington. Burke Aerospace has provided electric discharge machining and milling services to the aero- space, industrial gas turbine, and defense industries for over 60 years. Isherwood has considerable experience within the industry, having spent nine years at GE Aviation in Lynn, Massachusetts, as senior operation leader of commercial and military engines combustor manufacturing. She joined Burke Aerospace in 2016 to further develop its growing business in the aerospace and indus- trial gas turbine markets as vice president of business development. After growing the business' revenues significantly in four years, she took over as president in 2020. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishments include growing the business at Burke Aerospace 20% year over year since 2016. Burke Aerospace has grown 70% from 2022 to 2023 and increased its headcount by 20%, while investing over $15 million in technology advances. Women in manufacturing at Burke Aerospace have increased by 30%. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? To support other women and underrepre- sented groups in the industry by providing mentorship, creating opportunities for their growth, and advocating for policies that promote diversity and equality. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? A significant professional challenge I faced as the president of Burke Aerospace was driving innovation and change within a 60-year-old, second-generation, fami- ly-owned organization when our industry was impacted during the pandemic. Staying ahead in the industry requires the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and forming strategic partnerships with other companies or research institutions. Navigating these partnerships and integrat- ing new technologies into your operations can be complex, requiring careful manage- ment and foresight. 2024 EHL Lockup Layout Options LONG disclaimer. Can be broken across multiple lines, depending on the size of the asset. Font size displayed = 8.5 points above and below "FDIC" are indistinct and illegible, those lines of smaller type may be blocked out or dropped. Webster Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender . SHORT disclaimer. Can be broken across multiple lines, depending on the size of the asset. Font size displayed = 9 points Webster Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Webster, Webster Bank, the Webster Bank logo, and the W symbol are trademarks of Webster Financial Corporation and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. © 2024 Webster Financial Corporation. All Rights Reserved. websterbank.com Congratulations Katherine Lane A Hartford Business Journal Top 25 Women in Business honoree We value your dedication to our values, your leadership and commitment to excellence. Best wishes to all the honorees. Katherine Lane Senior Managing Director, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and GL Compliance I'd like to see FoundHer hire its first, and possi- bly second, employee within the next five years; especially as we continue adding reputable clients to our growing roster, which primarily consists of financial services and law firms. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? FoundHer focuses on finding flexible working arrangements for women: a commonly challenging conversation with prospective clients back in 2019. Through the Great Resignation movement and the introduction of alternative work arrangements, we were able to be a part of the job shift movement that resulted in more opportunities for women. How are you involved in the community? I currently volunteer my time through various organizations. I serve on the board of direc- tors of B Local Connecticut. I'm a committee member and active volunteer of the National Charity League – Westport chapter.