The Centralia Business and Professional Woman’s Club has been named their Woman and Boss of the Year.
Advanced Surgical Technology Chief Financial Officer Abbey Gettinger as Boss of the Year. She manages over 100 people and was recognized for her personal interest in each employee and for cultivating a supportive work culture where employees feel valued and empowered.
“Such an honor to be Boss of the Year in 2023. I’ve worked for Advanced Surgical Technology for 8 years. We now have 11 offices so it definitely keeps me busy but I take much pride in all of them and all the employees that work here and they make it a great place for me to come to work every day and I hope I do the same for them. That’s what I’ve strived for. I’ve always learned business through my grandma and my mom and now it’s my turn and I feel like I’m following in their footsteps.”
Gettinger’s mom is Sonya Gettinger and her grandmother is Marilyn Jolliff.
The Woman of the Year is Melody Ainslie. Her nomination noted her support of numerous community and BPW projects. Before retiring, Ainslie ran her own travel agency before working for the Illinois Department of Corrections where she worked her way up to Executive Administrative Assistant and was recognized as Employee of the Year.
“I’m just so touched by it and I’m so happy. My family has always been behind me in all of it. They’ve stood behind me. My husband is always there to say yes whatever I say I need done and he’s there to help. This is a great honor to become Woman of the Year.”
The BPW also honored Kathy Smith with a lifetime membership. She has been a member for 46 years and honored for truly being a woman helping other women.
The event held at Heritage Woods is part of Business and Professional Woman’s Week as proclaimed by Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder.
Kathy Smith is honored with a lifetime BPW membership.
Abbey Gettinger (front) with past Bosses of the Year in attendance.
Melody Ainslie (front left) with past Women of the Year in attendance.
