Celebrating Exemplary Women Leadership
In recognition of International Women’s Day, the NSAC is celebrating women who have provided exemplary leadership by serving on the Society’s National Board of Directors. These outstanding women are true inspirations in their field, and have accomplished so much through their work ethic and commitment to the accounting industry.
Although women in America have come a long way in their journey for equal rights and representation, many women today still encounter bias, stereotypes, and discrimination in the workplace. However, these women have achieved a high level of success in their careers while serving in leadership positions on the NSAC National Board of Directors, making their achievements that much more commendable.
Julia Sevald, CPA, Senior Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis, Land O’ Lakes
Julia Sevald, CPA, is a Senior Manager in the Financial Planning & Analysis department at Land O’ Lakes. Julia has worked at Land O’ Lakes for 12 years. In her current role, she supports the supply chain division, specifically the warehousing and transportation teams. She is responsible for the budgeting and forecasting processes, as well as monthly financial analysis. Additionally, Julia partners with the logistics teams to help them understand financial implications of business decisions, and provides perspective on strategic projects.
Julia graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in both Accounting and Business Management. She is also currently working towards her Executive MBA degree, and will graduate from Iowa State University in May. On the Board of Directors, Julia serves as the Nominating Committee and as the Education Chair for the North Central Chapter. Julia chose to join the Board because she loves the networking NSAC provides, and by serving, she can get to know individuals outside her local chapter.
Julia has been married to her husband, Jon, for almost 20 years, and has two sons, Ethan (15) and Eli (13). In her free time, Julia likes to volunteer. She is treasurer of her local athletic association and the high school band association. She also serves as the advancement chair for her Scout Troop. In addition to volunteering, Julia also enjoys reading.
“I do believe that as career women, we face a different set of challenges than men. I feel as though I need to justify decisions I make at work more than my male counterparts do.” Julia says. “I don’t believe that I have ever been held back because of my gender, but I do think there is more effort that is needed for women to continue to showcase our strengths and move ourselves further ahead.”
Julia’s advice to fellow women in the industry is to “surround yourself with people who are genuinely interested in helping you succeed, and to take advantage of the opportunities you are given.”
Melissa Wood, MBA, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, First Electric Cooperative
Melissa Wood, MBA, CPA, is the Chief Financial Officer at First Electric Cooperative. Melissa has been at her company for nine years, and has held the title of CFO for four years. Before joining First Electric Cooperative, Melissa worked for eight years in public accounting, and 12 years in Wall Street Banking.
Melissa graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with her BBA, and from Memphis State University with her MBA. Melissa serves both on the National Board of Directors, as well as the Electric Cooperative Chapter Board of Directors. Melissa chose to join the Board because she enjoys working with people from other cooperatives across the country. She believes that not only is everyone a good professional resource, but a friend who will help you whenever you need it.
Melissa considers her greatest accomplishment not only being a woman CFO, but being a CFO at an Electric Cooperative, as both have been predominantly male roles in the past. In her free time, Melissa enjoys traveling abroad and seeing how other cultures live. She is ready to get past Covid so she can get some normalcy back in her life, and start planning her next adventure.
When reflecting on her greatest strength, Melissa believes it to be that she always tells it how it is. “You will always know where I stand, and never have to guess what I am thinking.” She says. “Some people might not want to hear the truth, so if you don’t…don’t ask me!”
Fortunately, Melissa doesn’t believe that, as a woman, she has had to work harder in her career to get where she is today. She has worked mainly under male leadership, and feels that she has never been treated any differently than her male counterparts. “I’ve been lucky in my career to be valued and respected as a woman, and be promoted accordingly.” Melissa says.
Melissa’s advice to fellow women in the industry is to “work hard, demand respect, and stand up for yourself.”
April Graves, CPA, Controller, United Agricultural Cooperative, Inc.
April Graves is the Controller at United Agricultural Cooperative, Inc. April has worked at her company for 29 years. Before becoming controller at her current company, April worked in public accounting for several years.
April graduated from Texas A&M University with her BBA in 1985, and earned her CPA license in 1991. As a member of the Board, April serves as National Director, and represents the Texas Chapter. She chose to join the Board of Directors in order to learn more about the benefits and opportunities of the NSAC, and to become a more active and involved member.
April believes that her greatest accomplishment to date has been maintaining a profitable cooperative year after year. In the future, she hopes to continue her growth as Controller and make her coop the best it can be financially.
April is a mother to three grown children and a grandmother to four children. In her free time, April enjoys gardening, traveling, and cooking. Additionally, a fun fact about her is that she owns a clothing boutique with her sister.
April doesn’t feel that she has faced any direct challenges related to her gender, but does believe that she has had to work harder than her male counterparts to get where she is today. According to April, the prevalence of women in her industry is very small. “It was pretty obvious when I started in the Agricultural Coop world that it was 100% men. Even to this day, I would say there are very few women as Controllers or General Managers.” April says.
April’s advice to fellow women in the industry is to “be confident in yourself and keep pushing.”
Katrina Rote, CPA, Assurance Senior Manager, RSM US LLP
Katrina Rote, CPA, is an Assurance Senior Manager at RSM US LLP. In her current role, Katrina provides assurance and business consulting services to agribusiness and consumer products clients; including cooperatives, manufacturers, distributors, growers, as well as CIRA and homeowners associations and service companies. Katrina assists clients with acquisitions, bank financing, equity transactions, improving internal controls, and organizational and governance projects. Katrina serves both on the National Board of Directors, as well as the Atlantic Chapter Board of Directors.
“I have been very fortunate over my 20+ years in public accounting to work with leaders and members of many Nationally branded cooperatives, including dairy, citrus, grain, nursery plants, etc. I have developed a strong appreciation for the operating challenges of aquiculture organizations and farmer-owned businesses across the United States. I have enjoyed getting out from behind my desk and getting a little “dirt” under my fingernails. I love working with farmers and their families. However, one challenge early in my career was finding other females to support me. Now, women are much more influential in the business world and middle market, and they are very supportive of other women.”
Katrina’s advice to fellow women in the industry is to “surround yourself with people that push you and support you. Identify your personal Board of Directors and use them as your trusted advisors. Lastly, don’t be afraid to fail!”