Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Remarkable Women of LIS
Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Remarkable Women of LIS
Women’s History Month is celebrated annually in the month of March and highlights the many accomplishments and contributions of trailblazing women throughout history. Women play a crucial role in culture and society, but their contributions are sometimes overlooked. Through the celebration of Women’s History Month, we hope to take inspiration from both those who came before and those working among us today.
In the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, specifically, women have been underrepresented for decades. Because innovation can only be attained when people of diverse backgrounds and unique prospectives work together, the industry has truly suffered. In order to build a better, more diverse workforce in the future, it is essential that women feel empowered to enter and succeed in this industry.
Lucile Smith, LIS Co-Founder and former President, is a true trailblazer in the world of STEM and land surveying. She made waves in the industry when she became the first woman in the state of Tennessee to become a licensed surveyor by passing the state-specific examinations. With Smith as its leader, LIS was a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) in the state of Tenn. for nearly 10 years, meaning 51% of the company was owned and controlled by a woman. Through innovative thinking and determination, Smith opened the door for women to enter the surveying industry and earn a professional licensure.
“Our profession is white, male dominated, and can be tough for women to excel, unless you are Lucile Smith, my mom. Working under a strong woman, like my mom, provided me with the insight to recruit and hire females in STEM and leadership roles throughout my career,” remarked LIS President Patrick Smith.
LIS is proud to recognize the remarkable women on our team. Each one brings a strong work ethic and unique perspectives to the business, and LIS would not be where it is today without them. Learn more about each staff member below!
Our Co-founder
Lucile Smith, Co-Founder
While no longer actively employed with LIS, Smith is by far the most influential woman in LIS’ near five decades of history. Smith co-founded the business in 1975 along with spouse, Larry Smith. She later became President of the company in 1996, with L. Smith serving as Vice President. During this time, Smith made history in the surveying industry when she became the first woman in the state of Tennessee to become a licensed surveyor by passing the state-specific examinations. After a prominent and influential career, she retired in 2017.
Current staff
Kathryn (Katie) Bullion, Administrative Intern
Henry County High School (HCHS) senior, Kathryn (Katie) Bullion, holds a great number of responsibilities for the Administrative and Marketing Departments as the Administrative Intern. She works with a diverse staff on various projects, including reporting, data entry, developing marketing communications, and acting as a brand ambassador at external events. Bullion has continuously proven that she can excel, both in academics and in the professional realm. She holds numerous leadership positions, including the President of DECA and the President of the 4-H Honor Club, and has won multiple awards for impromptu speaking on the HCHS Speech and Debate team, including one first place win. In addition, Bullion has been ranked at the top of her class all four years of high school. After graduating, she plans to attend a four year university and major in marketing.
Martha (MJ) Hooper, Marketing and Communications Intern
Martha (MJ) Hooper is a rising senior at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) and an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and Women in Communication. As the Marketing and Communications Intern, she works to enhance the LIS brand through the development of innovative concepts and promotional writing. Hooper was hired in 2021 as one of LIS’ first collegiate interns, and she helped spearhead the internship program. In her role, she continuously exceeds expectations and sets new benchmarks for future hires with her great work ethic and attitude.
Ashley Horn, Marketing Coordinator
As Marketing Coordinator, Ashley Horn heads all of LIS’ marketing, business development, recruitment, and community relations efforts. In her role, Horn is responsible for managing the company’s overall marketing strategy, brand development, outreach, and oversight of LIS’ interns and internship program. Horn is education-minded, and she enjoys learning and developing new skills. She is currently a doctoral student at Regent University. Horn holds a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Horn is a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), serves as a board member for the American Advertising Federation (AAF), a volunteer for the Paris-Henry County Arts Council (PHCAC), and is a graduate of Leadership Henry County (LHC).
Debbie Kinsland, Human Resource Officer
Hired by Lucile Smith in 2008, Debbie Kinsland has worked alongside three generations of the Smith family. She began her career with LIS as a Payroll Clerk. As LIS grew over the years, her role within the company grew alongside it. While working in that role, she helped to build LIS’ Human Resource Department, creating new policies and procedures as needed. Kinsland was promoted to her current position as Human Resource Officer in 2022. As Human Resource Officer, Kinsland is responsible for onboarding new hires, maintaining employee files, processing payroll, and offboarding staff members, among other responsibilities.
Ashleigh Trevino, Technology Integrator
As Technology Integrator, Ashleigh Trevino is responsible for implementing new software and technology, as well as improving our existing programs. She works closely with the external Information technology (IT) company to ensure our technology stays up to date and works properly and efficiently. Trevino holds an associate degree in interior design and business marketing from Western Kentucky University. Upon graduation, she entered the workforce focusing on interior design but quickly realized that she was more interested in 2D & 3D CAD modeling. Trevino is an essential part of the LIS team and is constantly looking for new ways to improve our company’s use of technology.
LaCole Webster, Senior CAD Technician
As a Senior CAD Technician, LaCole Webster coordinates with and coaches fellow staff members across each of LIS’ three office locations on a wide range of projects. When interacting with her, staff members can always count on Webster to encourage them when they need it, no matter the amount of stress she might be under. She is knowledgeable in the field, holding more than 15 years of industry experience and a bachelor’s degree in drafting and design technology from Missouri State University. Webster has the heart of a teacher and truly cares about her fellow staff members. She is known as a constant ally to the field and office personnel alike.
Tami Winston, Receptionist
Tami Winston is the initial point of contact for our company. She provides a positive initial meeting and greeting of clients, both in-person and by phone. Tami is a true team player, as she supports various departments by calling clients, relaying project updates, and record keeping. Her empathetic personality and enthusiasm for her work make her a great teammate. In her spare time, Tami has raced various marathons and triathlons, including the Little Rock Half Marathon, Disney Marathon in Orlando, and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, only to name a few. Her enthusiasm for fitness has led to the launch of LIS’ wellness program, in which she serves as program coordinator. Tami works diligently to promote wellness among the staff in hopes of increasing productivity, improving morale, reducing stress levels, and improving teamwork.
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