Business transformation is often spurred by disruption. The leaders recognized by this year’s Transformational Women in Family Business Awards have certainly dealt with their fair share of unexpected twists and turns, whether from shakeups in the market or changes in their own families. But their stories show that, to be truly transformational in a family business, leaders must use times of disruption to promote alignment across their organizations so they can push forward without abandoning their foundational values and vision.
This year’s award recipients are modernizing century-old companies, expanding governance and education for the next generation and ensuring innovation and inclusion go hand-in-hand. Across industries — from finance and manufacturing to design, recycling and security — they are transforming legacy organizations through digital evolution, sustainability initiatives, creative reinvention and a renewed focus on people and culture. Many are the first women to hold top executive roles in their firms; others are guiding family councils and philanthropic programs that strengthen generational continuity.
Each of these honorees exemplifies how family enterprises evolve when they welcome new voices and new ways of thinking. Their leadership reminds us that transformation in family business is not about breaking with the past — it’s about expanding what’s possible for the future.
KAREN ALKO
Manager, Community Relations | ABC Recycling | Burnaby, British Columbia
As a fourth-generation steward of ABC Recycling, Karen Alko carries forward more than a century of entrepreneurial legacy. Founded in 1912 by her great-grandfather and grandfather, the company has grown into Western Canada’s largest independently owned metal recycling business, operating across British Columbia, Alberta and Washington State. Today, Alko serves as community relations manager for ABC while also serving as one of the family’s main champions for governance and legacy. read more >
CARRIE ALT
Family Shareholder | Seaman Corporation | Winnetka, Ill.
As a third-generation family member of 76-year-old Seaman Corporation, Carrie Alt understands the responsibility that comes with legacy and carries it with grace and intention. She leads by example, bringing a servant-hearted approach to every role she takes. read more >
JODIE KAUFMAN DAVIS
Co-President | H.W. Kaufman Group | Detroit
Jodie Kaufman Davis serves as co-president of H.W. Kaufman Group, the privately held, family owned and operated global specialty insurance organization founded in 1969. Jodie, who along with her brother represent Kaufman’s third generation of leadership, is today championing the company’s ongoing evolution as it looks to rapidly expand its footprint and scale worldwide. read more >
JESSICA JOHNSON COPE
CEO & President | Johnson Security Bureau, Inc. | Bronx, N.Y.
As the third-generation owner, CEO and president of Johnson Security Bureau, Jessica Johnson-Cope transformed what could have been a devastating family business transition into a catalyst for unprecedented growth and industry leadership. “We had not yet reached 50 years when my father tragically passed away and I was thrust into leadership here at our family’s business,” Johnson-Cope explains. “And I said, ‘If I don’t do anything else, the one thing I need to do is get us to our 50th anniversary.’ And this year, we celebrate our 63rd year in business. So, I did what I needed to do and a little bit more.” read more >
JAIME McKINLEY
President & CEO | W.F. Young, Inc. | East Longmeadow, Mass.
Jaime McKinley, fifth-generation president and CEO of W. F. Young, Inc., has dedicated more than three decades to advancing her family’s mission of animal health and wellness. Headquartered in East Longmeadow, Mass., the company is known for leading brands such as Absorbine, UltraShield, Silver Honey and The Missing Link. Under McKinley’s leadership, W. F. Young has doubled in size, strengthened its product portfolio and championed innovation, all while preserving a legacy that dates back to 1892. read more >
JAYNE MILLARD
Co-CEO & Executive Chair of the Board of Directors | Turtle | Clark, N.J.
During her 16 years at the helm of fourth-generation Turtle (formerly Turtle & Hughes), Jayne Millard has led the business through an era of profound transformation. When she took the helm, the external world was changing rapidly — new technologies were reshaping infrastructure, energy and distribution — and the 103-year-old company had to adapt. Under Jayne’s leadership, Turtle reorganized its structure, refreshed its leadership ranks and restored 100% family ownership by buying back shares from an ESOP created decades earlier. read more >
JUDI SHEPPARD MISSETT
Founder & Executive Chair | Jazzercise, Inc. | Carlsbad, Calif.
In 1969, Judi Sheppard Missett walked into a dance studio to teach a class and ended up starting a movement. What began with 15 women has grown into Jazzercise, Inc., a global dance-fitness brand with more than 32,000 classes a week in 16 countries, cumulative gross sales exceeding $2 billion and a reputation for making fitness fun. “I really had no master plan, no blueprint, no business plan,” Missett recalls. “I just did what I did out of love and out of passion. And then it evolved and it got bigger and bigger.” read more >
KATHRYN POEHLING SEYMOUR
President & CEO | First Supply LLC | Madison, Wis.
When fifth-generation Kathryn (Katie) Poehling Seymour took over as CEO and president of First Supply LLC in 2020, the company was in the midst of a major project to completely overhaul its distribution model, including opening a new distribution center. Katie hit the ground running in her new role and, looking back, describes the experience as “eye-opening.” It was also one that filled her with pride for her family — and especially for her father and predecessor, Joe Poehling, to whom the new distribution center was dedicated. read more >
CHRISTINE WALKER-BOWMAN
Chief Operating Officer | Farmers and Merchants Trust Company | Long Beach, Calif
As chief operating officer of Farmers and Merchants Trust Company (FMTC), Christine Walker-Bowman represents the fifth generation of her family to help lead one of California’s oldest trust institutions. A 20-year veteran of the F&M brand, she became the first woman to hold a leadership role at FMTC when she stepped into the COO position earlier this year. Her appointment marked a new chapter of growth and modernization for the 118-year-old family enterprise. read more >
MEGANNE WECKER
CEO | Skyline Furniture | Chicago
Meganne Wecker, third-generation CEO of Skyline Furniture, has guided her family’s business through an era of change defined by design innovation, digital transformation and a commitment to empowering women across the company.
Her path into the family business was not a foregone conclusion, however. “I was never going to join it,” she recalls. “It was a very difficult business and, when I was growing up, my family never put any pressure on me.” read more >