Ladies Who Lead in Our Communities

Five women who are living our Core Values and setting a good example with their Corporate Citizenship leadership – at their division and outside of work.

Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew, author, said “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

This month, we feature five women who have the heart – Ladies Who Lead in Our Communities. These outstanding women set an example we can all aspire to through their Corporate Citizenship leadership at their division and outside of work.

Jackie Ritter, Corporate Travel Manager, Olympic Steel

Jackie Ritter began working for Olympic Steel in 2011 and has been part of the Corporate Citizenship effort since her first day. With previous experience in event planning and coordinating fundraisers for large groups, it was a natural fit.

“Coming together to have fun and raise money is what I like most about being part of the Corporate Citizenship committee,” says Jackie. “It means a lot to watch employees get involved – in any way they can. Monetary contributions are great, but employees who share their ideas and give their time to plan and setup events are essential for making it all come together.”

In addition to leading the Corporate Citizenship efforts at the Corporate office, Jackie Ritter takes the lead for the Olympic Steel’s Working for Wishes campaign in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® nationwide.

By getting involved with Corporate Citizenship at Olympic Steel, Jackie’s had an impact on the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, the American Heart Association® and their signature initiative, Go Red for Women (the division even ended up on a billboard campaign) and other non-profit organizations supporting local food banks and schools.

Although a lot of people have helped with Corporate Citizenship activities over the last decade, Jackie wants to recognize Teresa Creegan, Angie Moore, Bridget Mooney, Coady Barrie and Dawn Baker-McTighe for their consistent contributions to the Corporate Citizenship efforts at the Corporate office and the Cleveland division. And, most notably, she credits her sister, Laura Zick, for being instrumental in establishing a Corporate Citizenship committee in 2004 and providing opportunities for employees to get involved in the local community.

Jackie doesn’t just support the community through her interaction with the Corporate Citizenship committee at the division, she’s incredibly active with organizations that mean a lot to her. She’s personally organized events or volunteered her time for the American Heart Association®, New Middle School PTO, Barron Collier High School Choir, Zonta Women’s Group, the Naples Youth Bowling Association and Saints Cosmas & Damian Catholic Church. Currently, she’s involved with Tre Sorelle, or Three Sisters, the fundraising team her sister Tara created in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Jackie volunteers not only to support local organizations, but because she truly loves the community in which she works and calls home.

Carole Flosi, Office Manager, Olympic Steel – Bettendorf, IA

Before Carole started working for Olympic Steel in 2014, she worked in customer service, event planning and as an Executive Assistant. These roles all provided opportunities to network and plan events, two activities that Carole enjoys.

Soon after Carole’s first day, she was asked to lead a new Company event to support the division’s Make-A-Wish® fundraising efforts. She was excited to tackle this challenge, getting back to two of her favorite things: planning events and meeting new people! The division partnered with the local minor league baseball team, the Quad City River Bandits, for a great evening of fundraising at the ball field. The event has continued each year since 2014 (until last year’s cancellation due to COVID).

The Bettendorf, IA division also supports the American Heart Association through the annual Heart Walk® and Go Red for Women® Wear Red Day®. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers in our division,” Carole says. “And we do a great job raising money and encouraging employee participation.”

Carole enjoys being part of the Corporate Citizenship committee because it’s where employees turn ideas and hope into action. “It’s where the rubber meets the road,” says Carole. “Employees appreciate that Olympic Steel takes a sincere interest in our community. This brings us closer together and gives employees an opportunity to participate, no matter their role in the Company.”

In addition to her involvement in the division’s volunteer activities, Carole also enjoys planning a spring health fair for the division and personally supports organizations that appeal to her love of animals, like the Quad City Animal Welfare Center and Animal Aid.

But the best example of her giving heart is her role as caretaker for her 96-year-old father. She says, “I am very proud of my Dad, a disabled WWII Veteran. A few years ago, I accompanied him on the Quad Cities Honor Flight. It was a great experience for us to share together.”

Marcy Weyant, Accounting Manager, Olympic Steel – Chambersburg, PA

Marcy started her career with Olympic Steel just over seven years ago, continuing to expand her experience in the manufacturing industry. She helped with fundraising and community activities at her previous employers, so she naturally wanted to be part of the Corporate Citizenship activities as soon as she started working at Olympic Steel’s Chambersburg, PA division.

“I feel giving back to your community is a critical part of being a responsible member of society,” says Marcy. “You don’t have to be rich to make a difference – you just have to care about others and take the time to leave the world a little bit better than when you came into it.”

Marcy is passionate about helping animals – giving a voice to the voiceless. She often volunteers her time and donates silent auction items, needed supplies or money to help local shelters and rescues. She’s also participated in the local Mud Run for Girls, Inc., donated shoe boxes and items for the annual Christmas Shoe Boxes drive, volunteers at her daughter’s school and even donates her hair (8 times in 12 years!).

The Chambersburg division focuses their Corporate Citizenship efforts on raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, with other events sprinkled throughout the year that raise awareness and provide support for local organizations like animal shelters and rescues.

“The Corporate Citizenship success that we have in Chambersburg could not be achieved without the help of Angie Sutton and Dottie King,” Marcy says. “They are part of every fundraising activity and their participation is critical to our success.”

Speaking of success, the division is already planning their fundraisers to support the 2021 Working for Wishes campaign – coupon books, a sandwich fundraiser, 50/50 raffle and possibly even a silent auction.

Debbie Russell, Sr. Accounting Associate, Olympic Steel – Winder, GA

Debbie began her career with Olympic Steel in May 2007 as a Traffic Coordinator. After a few promotions and a move to the accounting department, Debbie now works as an Sr. Accounting Associate and is the Winder division’s Corporate Citizenship Committee Chairperson.

“I got involved with Corporate Citizenship because I love to help people,” Debbie says. “It feels good to be part of something bigger than myself.” Putting joy in other people’s hearts through her volunteerism makes Debbie feel good and motivates her to do more.

She works with a team of volunteers to support the year-long Make-A-Wish® fundraising efforts, and she says, “They are amazing! I really like seeing the younger generation join in the fun. When every team member contributes, we achieve great results.”

Debbie is passionate about supporting Make-A-Wish® and autism awareness. Last year, she completed several 5k races and raised funds to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and two other local organizations. She says she’ll continue to participate in races for as long as her knees will let her! Read more about her contributions here .

Volunteers have big hearts, and Debbie is no exception. “I am thankful and grateful to Olympic Steel for providing opportunities to give back to the community through Corporate Citizenship,” she says. “As one of our Core Values , it’s important to find ways to incorporate serving our community into our everyday lives.”

Jessica Steed, Sales Manager, Olympic Steel – Winder, GA

Jessica has been in the metals industry for 16 years. Two and a half years ago she started her career with Olympic Steel as an Outside Sales Representative for the Virginia territory. In September 2020, she was promoted to Divisional Sales Manager and relocated to Olympic Steel’s Winder, GA division.

Jessica’s involvement with the Working for Wishes campaign began in January 2020. In working with Debbie Russell, she helped revitalize Winder’s efforts in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. Since relocating, she’s enjoyed a more hands-on approach to sourcing donations and working closely with the newly formed Make-A-Wish committee.

“It’s extremely rewarding to help out the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. We receive regular updates on how donations like ours impact the lives of children in our area,” Jessica says. “It’s especially rewarding to hear from a Wish Child and their family following receipt of their wish…the wish that our hard work was able to make come true.”

Aside from her participation in the Southern Region’s Working for Wishes campaign, Jessica is passionate about volunteering and donating to local animal rescues and shelters.

Corporate Citizenship efforts at the division are a true team effort, and Jessica has a great team she’d like to recognize – Debbie Russell, Hannah Price, Miley Myers and all the members of the Working for Wishes committee at the Winder division.