Pella Corporation Leaders Rebecca Hicks and Hillary Cooper Honored with National STEP Ahead Awards

Pella Corporation proudly announces that two of its leaders have been recognized nationally through the STEP Ahead Awards (formerly the Women MAKE Awards) by The Manufacturing Institute.

Rebecca Hicks, Director of Digital Transformation, has been named a STEP Ahead Honoree. Hillary Cooper, recently promoted to Regional General Manager overseeing the Chicago, Rockford and Detroit sales subsidiaries, has been named an Emerging Leader Honoree.

The STEP Ahead Awards recognize outstanding women and their allies in manufacturing who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation and mentorship while strengthening the future workforce.

Transforming the Digital Future of Manufacturing

As Director of Digital Transformation, Rebecca Hicks plays a central role in Pella’s multi-year digital evolution. 

Her decisions shape digital capabilities that touch hundreds of thousands of customers and partners. At the same time, she has built and mentored a high-performing team – many of them women – helping expand representation and opportunity within a traditionally underrepresented space.

“Rebecca is helping redefine how our industry connects with customers in the digital space,” said nominator Keith Mann, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Pella. “She brings together customer insight, technology and business strategy in a way that drives real results today while shaping the future of how Pella serves customers and partners.”

Driving Growth and Developing Talent Across Regions

Hillary Cooper represents the next generation of manufacturing leadership. Recently promoted to Regional General Manager, she now oversees operations across Chicago, Rockford and Detroit – three strategically important markets.

Since joining Pella, Hillary has delivered double-digit growth in a challenging economic environment while building a sustainable talent pipeline to prepare for future expansion. She relaunched the Sales Associate Program, reintroduced the Associate Trade Representative role and strengthened partnerships with Northern Illinois University to encourage more students – particularly women – to consider careers in manufacturing.

“Hillary represents the next generation of leadership in manufacturing and sales,” said Matt Kiernan, Vice President and General Manager, PDSN and Sales Subsidiaries for Pella. “She delivers results while building strong teams and developing the talent that will sustain our business for years to come. The systems she’s put in place to mentor and develop future leaders are already shaping the future of our organization.”

Leadership Beyond the Business

Both Hicks and Cooper extend their leadership into their communities. Rebecca mentors youth through the Ankeny Girls Softball Association and supports single-parent families through volunteer initiatives. Hillary leads volunteer engagement efforts across her region and supports organizations that uplift women and families in Chicago-area communities.

Their combined recognition reflects Pella’s commitment to developing leaders who drive innovation, strengthen culture and contribute meaningfully beyond the workplace.

Hicks and Cooper will be recognized at the STEP Ahead Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in April 2026.

Learn more about this year’s STEP Ahead Awardees: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Profile-Book.pdf