West Chester native Heather Whitaker is Senior Manager of Commercial Sales & Business Development at Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed.

Whitaker, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University, credits a former manager, Anthony Lombardi, as having the biggest impact on her career.

“Anthony showed me what it meant to be a leader by leading me as opposed to managing me,” said Whitaker, who began working when she 14 years old, bagging groceries at Giant. “He trusted me to try a new approach, as opposed to telling me exactly how to do something. He represented what it means to be a mentor versus just a manager.”

Whitaker’s proudest professional achievement was being a part of the Essentials of Management program at Saint-Gobain in 2018.

“Being selected into this year-long leadership program allowed me the opportunity to both educate and learn from other leaders in my company from across the world and create a network of peers around the globe,” she said. “Despite being on different continents, we all face the same challenges, opportunities to develop, and ways that we can be better leaders to support our teams.”

Whitaker’s favorite Chester County restaurant is Split Rail Tavern in West Chester.

“There’s something to be said about a place that makes everyone feel welcome, makes a great burger, and always has a new beer on tap!” she said.