Meet Our Leaders

KATHRYN OAKES
CHIEF OF STAFF

What is your background and career path at Heidelberg?
I started in 2005 as a summer intern with the Dayton AB team. I had just graduated from Wright State University and was looking for a short-term opportunity. It’s crazy to think that a three-month internship has turned into 15 years!

After the internship, I was brought on full-time selling in new brands and implementing national Anheuser-Busch promotions to our local on-premise accounts. In 2009, I was promoted to AB Marketing & Media Manager overseeing local marketing efforts and media programming. Then in 2011 I was asked to join the corporate executive team as Chief of Staff which continues to be my position today.

What are your job responsibilities and priorities?
In most organizations, the Chief of Staff is a manager who helps keep the staff focused and on schedule with projects and initiatives to move the organization forward. Most of my time is spent assisting Vail Miller Jr. and Joe Noll to collaborate and communicate with the Executive Team, Directors and General Managers. I’m a listener; I take a lot of notes, assist with meeting agendas and make suggestions when applicable on how the business can improve.

I accompany Joe as he meets with each facility’s leadership team, trying to make sure that best practices are shared throughout the company. We have so many eyes and ears on sales but making the rest of the Heidelberg wheel turn is a huge responsibility too! So I jump in wherever needed, trying to bring a different perspective to the table, trying to connect the dots and navigate our current structure to make it even better and fine-tuned.

I also assist with the corporate communications department when it comes to company branding, engagement and messaging and I represent the company for many Dayton community and business partners such as the Chamber of Commerce.

Any recent accomplishments or notable projects from you/your team?
I am proud of the work the communications team has put into corporate branding and design of the new Heidelberg website. Recently, I was working with the operations team on new uniforms for our drivers. In 2020, I am excited about some work around diversity and inclusion and opportunities for the women of Heidelberg to grow as leaders.

Who do you interact with on a regular basis?
I work closely with the communications team as we develop messages for company-wide initiatives and introduce new projects. I assist the Executive Team to ensure all markets are aligned with the same goals and objectives. I also have a lot of interaction with the Director and GM teams, and when I travel to each Heidelberg location for quarterly reviews, I get to meet with the local management teams.

How has the business and/or company changed since you joined Heidelberg?
In the last 15 years, the company has grown a lot. From new brands to new territories to adding new people — it’s been exciting to watch and be a part of.

How do you like to spend time when you’re away from work (family/hobbies)?
I love spending time with my husband and two daughters (ages 8 and 6). They are so funny, and I feel grateful to be a part of their lives. We enjoy playing with our new puppy and taking her on walks, attending the girls’ activities (basketball and gymnastics), visiting local coffee shops and shopping. I am also very close with my parents and two sisters; on Sunday’s we gather together for dinner. A couple times a week I attend indoor cycling classes as a chance to relax and focus.