Next Up Columbus 2022: Andrea Wilkins
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Andrea Wilkins
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Age: 34
Profession: Senior Manager, C&I Sales at IGS Energy
Neighborhood: Delaware
Education: Bachelors of Science Business Administration from Ohio University
Community Involvement: The charity that I primarily support is Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. I am honored to be currently chairing Paint the Town Center Red, which is an event for 200 women at Easton Town Center that typically raises over $100,000. I’ve been volunteering at Ronald McDonald House for about 10 years and am passionate about helping families stay close to their children who are battling a sickness. I also have participated in Pelotonia for over 10 years, raising over $10,000 for cancer research!
Quote: “Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook
Give us a snapshot of your career path: I’m a proud Ohio University alumnae, having graduated with a marketing degree. I was heavily involved in the Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Center which lead me to IGS Energy where I have spent my entire 12 year career. I started as an account manager in the Commercial and Industrial Sales department managing over 900 commercial customers. Currently, I am a Senior Manager leading a team, assisting with strategy of the department and managing association relationships.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
I work hard every day for my amazing four kids and husband Ryan. I also am energized by loving and serving others. Lastly, I am a firm believer in always having a vacation on the calendar to look forward to!
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I have been fortunate enough to have two strong women mentors that have made an enormous difference in my life. They have taught me to embrace my strengths, avoid comparing myself to others, and continue to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
When I’m unwinding at home you can typically find me doing a Peloton work out, taking a nap, or watching a cheesy love show or murder mystery.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
I love Cafe Istanbul and Kitchen Social. We also have some of the best breweries in my opinion. I really enjoy sitting on the patio at Olentangy River Brewing Company and drinking their delicious coffee and beer.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
I used to want to be a lawyer because I was passionate, persistent and would work hard at swaying my mom until I got a yes. Those traits also work well in sales.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
I feel extremely humbled to have been chosen as a Next Up Columbus honoree. Columbus is filled with hard working, young, talented professionals. I’m excited to get to know the class of 2022!
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
When I think of the current pulse of Columbus I think of a growing community that is looking to make a positive change. We’ve experienced a lot of heavy events of late, but we have a lot of change makers in Columbus who are committed to helping us all take the necessary steps to continue to grow. I’m excited to see what we all accomplish over the next 5-10 years.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2022 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Ohio Dominican University and Spectrum for their support of this year’s awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2022” »