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Times certainly have changed since pest management was an up-and-coming service in the mid-1800s. Women did not play a key role; it was not considered women’s work and besides, their hoop skirts would have made thorough inspections impossible to perform.
That’s no longer the case, thankfully. This issue of Pest Management Professional shines a spotlight on seven noteworthy women in the pest management industry. They include:
- Valera Jessee, executive director, United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association (UPFDA).
- Kim Kelley-Tunis, director of quality assurance and claims, Rollins Inc.
- Dr. Dini Miller, professor of urban pest management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
- Deni Naumann, president, Copesan Services Inc.
- Karen Reardon, vice president of public affairs, RISE.
- Dr. Cisse Spragins, founder and CEO, Rockwell Labs Ltd.
- Mary Vongas, president, ChemTec Pest Control.
Women have come a long way since the male-dominated days of “vermin exterminators.” Here’s hoping women continue to turn to pest management for a rewarding career protecting human health and property.
You can reach Managing Editor Diane Sofranec at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.