MILWAUKEE — Johnson Controls is working to create gender diversity in the HVAC industry. 

“At Johnson Controls, we believe increased diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger, more robust company,” said Joe Oliveri, vice president and general manager, Global Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls. “And we are living out this belief. We are investing in employee resource groups, such as our Women’s Global Network and Women in Ops group. Through these initiatives and many others, we are establishing diversity in leadership positions as the expected and normal way we do business. And it’s working. Women currently lead our two largest manufacturing plants and other diverse employees hold many other roles critical to our success. But we can’t rest. We are continually recruiting diverse candidates to fill positions at all levels throughout our organization.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Johnson Controls is highlighting three female HVAC professionals.

Amelia Bardwell is the plant manager at the Johnson Controls residential HVAC manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas.

“What sets Amelia apart is her ability to grow relationships and engage all levels of our organization, from the shop-floor to senior leaders,” said Mike Mattacola, senior director of operations, Chillers and Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls. “She has great people skills, listens well to the needs of the team, and drives quick change. As a result, Amelia has had a big impact re-energizing our team in Wichita.”

In addition, she has recently joined Johnson Controls Women in Operations steering committee, which is an internal business resource group with a focus on attracting and retaining women within operations. She also volunteers as a mentor to a female engineer through the University of Oklahoma’s Jerry Holmes Leadership Program for Engineers and Scientists, which provides leadership education for students in the Gallogly College of Engineering. Through the program, Bardwell helps her mentee grow her leadership skills, nurtures her professional development, and introduces her to all the opportunities that manufacturing can offer.

Victoria Davidyock, the director of portfolio marketing for the Ducted Systems division of Johnson Controls, has a degree in mechanical engineering. Working for an HVAC manufacturer is what afforded Davidyock the opportunity to earn her MBA. After receiving her degree, she was promoted from marketing engineer to product manager.

Theresa Gillette, engineering manager for residential controls at Johnson Controls began her career at Johnson Controls. She started as an intern while she pursued her engineering degree at Wichita State University. After graduation she secured a full-time position within the engineering department. Last year, Gillette was promoted to her current role, and leads the controls group for the residential business.  Most recently, she was awarded Inventor of the Year at the 2020 Global Patent Award Ceremony.

Gillette has been been instrumental in developing control strategies for multiple new product introduction (NPI) projects related to zoning control solutions, thermostats, air conditioning, heat pumps, furnaces, and packaged unit control. In February 2021, she will celebrate her 10-year anniversary with the company.

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!