PROFILE: Katrina Green

EDITOR'S NOTE:  This is the first in a series of profiles featuring FEI members, FEI sponsor partners and leadership.

Would you give us a snapshot of your background? Hometown, any early influences, how you got to Louisville (if you moved here from another city or state), your current professional position and role? 

I grew up in Borden, Ind., which is a very small town. My parents, grandparents and great-grandparents all lived in Borden along with almost everyone else I knew. Both of my grandmothers were very strong women and encouraged me to go after what I wanted. My maternal grandmother worked outside of the home but somehow found the time to cook and sew, and to volunteer as the treasurer at her church. My paternal grandmother worked in the home and taught me some valuable life skills. One of which was to be very dependent and stand up for myself. She never learned to drive so she was very dependent on her husband. They were very different women but taught me so much!

I recently started a new chapter in my career. I am currently the Finance Director for Silver Creek Leather located in Jeffersonville. After experiencing breast cancer last year, I made the decision to put my mental health first and find a position that gave me balance in my life.

What motivated you to pursue a career in finance?  Why did you decide to join FEI?

Upon graduating from high school, I decided to pursue a career in Fashion Merchandising. I worked for several years in retail but then decided to try something else. While pursuing a major in business at Indiana University Southeast, the accounting classes came easy for me due to my understanding of cash flow and inventory grained while working in retail. I had an accounting instructor take notice and encouraged me to major in accounting.

A female friend invited me to an FEI event and encouraged me to join. I was at a point in my career when I was making a change and needed to broaden my network. I realized it would be a great way to make those connections in the finance arena along with adding to my skills as I pursued a CFO role.

You recently became a part of chapter leadership to help make FEI a more diverse organization.  Tell us about the importance of this effort and what you want to accomplish. 

I worked for a company where I was the first female promoted to a director position. I’ve been the minority in the board room several times in my career. It is very intimidating and overwhelming to be part of a team when you don’t look or think like everyone else in the room. My goal is for FEI to be a support system for everyone. A place to make those connections and build relationships with those that don’t always look and think the same. 

Would you describe your greatest accomplishment and what it means to you?

There are several things that I am proud of but what I truly value is being able to lift up those around me -- helping others believe in themselves. 

Everybody faces adversity sometime in their lives. How do you handle it?

I was diagnosed a year ago with breast cancer. I quickly realized how important it is to be surrounded by those that can lift you up. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful group of friends and family who checked in on me. Unfortunately, my work family wasn’t as supportive as I had hoped and expected, given our company’s core values. Ultimately, I was forced to make a decision that put me first. I chose to focus on my mental health and what my body needed to heal -- not my job.

What’s your favorite leisure activity or hobby?

I enjoy traveling, especially with my daughter. I love sharing new experiences with family and friends. I’ve always enjoyed reading and learning new things.

What bit of personal or professional wisdom can you share with younger FEI colleagues? Do you have a favorite saying or quote?

Believe in yourself! I was told no several times in my career, but I didn’t listen. Instead, I found a way to make it happen.

To learn more about FEI's diversity goals and initiatives, contact Katrina at greenkatrina101@gmail.com. Or contact FEI at FEILouisville@gmail.com or 502.410.2113.