Business at the Bloom guest speaker is Cary Dunston, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of American Woodmark Corporation. He joined the company in 2006 as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Services. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations in 2012, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2013, and President and Chief Operating Officer in 2014. In 2014, his meteoric rise continued, as he was elected to the company’s Board of Directors. He was promoted to CEO in 2015 and elected Chairman of the Board in 2017. Cary also joined the Board of Directors of Pella Corporation in 2018.
We quote from Cary’s official biography on his success as a motivator: “The Power of Story! Through story, we truly learn to live, to care, and ultimately to see. Cary will challenge you to take a different look at your own story, how you can bring your own story to life, and have a tremendous impact on the lives of not only those that you lead, but those that you love! Cary’s leadership path began in college when he was selected for the Navy’s Nuclear Submarine Officer Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and an MBA from Harvard University. As a leader, Cary’s passion rests with a vision based on the values of caring and inclusion, recognizing and celebrating the individuality of every employee through the Power of Story. Through story, he believes we truly learn to live, to care, and ultimately, to see.” Cary employed this leadership focus prior to joining American Woodmark when he was with Diamond Innovations, BBA Fiberweb, Tenneco and Cummins. A native of Washington, Illinois, Cary, his wife and two children live in Winchester, Virginia. Cary has always focused on family with a passion for outdoor adventure and exploring new destinations. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and is a fitness enthusiast.