International Women's Day 2022 | Rome Grinding Solutions
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day- a holiday implemented over 100 years ago to recognize...
Rome Grinding Solutions
International Women’s Day has been celebrated since 1911 to raise awareness against bias, acknowledge women’s achievements, and prompt action for equality- it is always a significant day for Rome Grinding Solutions. Rome has always been a majority woman owned company (you can read about the history in last year’s International Women’s Day blog post) and we revolve the business around the ideals of diversity and inclusivity.
Today we would like to take the time to thank all of the women, past, present and future, that have worked hard to make Rome Grinding Solutions a thriving company in the manufacturing world. In honor of International Women’s Day, we asked the Women of Rome to provide a short bio about themselves, so you can get to know so of the people that work tirelessly to make us one of the best companies in the industry.
THE WOMEN OF ROME
Kitty Campbell-Human Resource Director & Safety Manager
As the Human Resource Director, I get to focus on people and nurture the Rome culture of "work hard, play hard"! I have learned so much in my almost 2 years (April 15) at Rome Grinding Solutions. And, taking on the role of Safety Manager has allowed me to better understand the manufacturing world and how it 
works. Pre-Rome, my entire career had been in the restaurant industry, my first love is, was, and always will be restaurants! However, I am now convinced that restaurants are not just food and hospitality, but manufacturers as well! Rome was the perfect transition out of the restaurant world or am I still kind of in it!?
I am committed to the "human" part of business.
I live and work by my values: honesty, integrity, loyalty, respect and decency.
I believe in doing the right thing.
I believe in working hard, doing your best and having fun.
I appreciate individuality and welcome different points of view.
I believe the key to success is surrounding yourself with successful people.
My mantras are: "You gotta pay your dues", "There is no free lunch" and "Just breathe"
Supporter of ASPCA, Humane Society, local artists, wineries, libraries, books for kids, taco trucks, gardening and tea parties! And, like all good Romans, I love my pup! Georgie Girl!
Nicole Chestnut- Production Systems Analyst
I am the Production Systems Analyst at Rome. I work closely with the production team to monitor our production process, maintain inventory in our ERP software, and train employees on how to use the software.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and son (Ben and Owen) – we are adding ANOTHER little boy in July. I love everything Harry Potter, reading a good book, golfing, playing slow-pitch softball, and a good cocktail (when I am able). Happy International Women’s Day!
Jamey Cox- Controller
I originally worked at Rome back in 1997 as their bookkeeper. While working at Rome I was finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Buena Vista University. I left in 1999 when I moved to Des Moines to marry my husband, Steve. While in the Des Moines area I have worked in various positions in the long-term care industry. I started out in payroll and then transitioned to an accounting manager. My last 15 years were spent as a Chief Financial Officer for a long-term care provider. I came back to Rome in February of 2019 as the Controller. Over the years I have maintained my close friendship with the Rome family and am very happy to have rejoined the crew.
Cara Godack- Director of Business Development
As the Director of Business Development, I work closely with the President and VP's to develop and implement marketing and sales strategies. I have been working at Rome for almost a year and a half, and I have been in the food processing industry for close to 5 years now. I love working for Rome Grinding Solutions because of the opportunities that have been given to me to take my ideas and run with them!
In my time outside of the office, I enjoy riding my horses and spending time with my husband, Mike, and our three dogs.
Kirstin Huls- Administrative Coordinator
I have been with Rome for six months as of the 14th of March. As the Administrative Coordinator I serve as the company gate keeper, office administrator, and help out in each department with extra work loads as needed. I am starting online makeup application classes and hope to freelance for proms, weddings ect. in the near future. When I’m not in the office you can find me at home with my husband, Jon, eight-month-old son, Jase, and eight-year-old step daughter, Lily. As a family we enjoy boating, swimming, and riding side by sides together!
Angie Kneifl - Inside Sales
I've been lucky enough to work at Rome Grinding Solutions for about 5.5 months now. My job is a mix of a lot of different things, submitting orders, working with salesmen, bidding up equipment and whatever the day calls for. No two days are the same and that is part of what makes Rome a really interesting place to work. Outside of work I like to do construction (remodeling), bike, walk, run, boat and most of all spend time with my kids and grandchildren. Having 9 Grandchildren means there is ALWAYS something to do!
Kelley Newgard- Vice President of Operations
Rome has been in my family since 1977 so I feel as though I have been here my whole life! I joined the Board of Directors in July of 2016 and came ‘home’ to Rome full time in July of 2019 as the Vice President of Operations.
My position as VP of Operations has evolved since 2019. I started with my focus on accounting and finance. Now I provide direction for the company by partnering with Sales, Production, Sourcing, and Human Resources in strategic planning, goal setting, budgeting, and process improvements. Not only do I directly report to the President, Kate Rome, but she is also my sister and my weekly next-door neighbor. (Yes, we have adjoining duplexes with the hubby’s) Most neighbors share sugar, we share wine!
My husband, Jesse and I call the “Princess City” of Pocahontas, Iowa home. Our son Chase is a student at Morningside College in Sioux City. Our daughter Ellie is an Iowa State University student in Ames. Our family is completed with our two furry loves, our miniature schnauzers, Miles and Winfield.
I am a lover of all things food especially oysters, cheese, and excessive amounts of wine and champagne; this strongly excludes prosecco. Thursday is my favorite day of the week as it is Pizza Night with my son and nephews (goats). I spend countless hours a year on my husband’s motorcycle traveling to some of our greatest adventures, I’ve even been known to take an occasional zoom call while on the road, just ask my co-workers!
Kami Reis- Human Resources Associate
I work in the Human Resources Department at Rome Grinding Solutions. I have worked here for 5 months. In the HR department we handle a wide variety of things. My favorite thing about working at Rome is the people and environment we work in. My family consists of my husband Blake, Our daughter Charlotte and dog, Martha Mae. I really enjoy cooking and using our smoker. In the summertime we spend our weekends trucking with my husband or going different places camping.
Kate Rome- President
I have worked for the company since I was 16 years old, filling roles from purchasing and accounting to general management. In 2008, I became Vice President and in 2014 I was appointed President. I have worked hard to increase the number of women working for Rome Grinding Solutions, and I have pressed other manufacturers to do the same.
Over the past couple of years, I have been honored with awards from the Women in Manufacturing and Empowering Women Organizations. Currently, I lead the Women’s Alliance Network for the FPSA, and I sit on the Board of the FPSA. as the second woman ever in that roll.
In my spare time, I like to cook, boat, garden and spend time with my husband, 3 kids and 2 bulldogs.
Elizabeth Schurke- Production Planning Specialist
I've worked at Rome for 15 months. I started out in the sales department, and I now work as the Production Planning Specialist which includes planning and prioritizing the production workflow of grinders and parts to ensure maximum performance and minimum delay.
Paige Stevenson- Accounting Assistant
I have been at Rome for a year and a half working in the accounting department as an accounting assistant. I take care of everything billing related for our customers and vendors. One of my hobbies includes planting and caring for house plants, and I have many at home and in the office.
