While Deb Krikorian, chief financial officer of Riverdale Mills, says gender has never been a barrier in her experience, she believes visibility, representation and mentorship play an important role in helping young women enter and advance in the industry. “Manufacturing and finance leadership have historically been male-dominated fields, but I have had several male mentors who recognized and supported my abilities. That is the benefit of a strong mentor, someone who advocates for talent and creates meaningful opportunities for growth.”
She says the best advice she ever received was that there are no gender boundaries, only mindset and skillset boundaries. “With a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and continuous professional development, the scope of what you can achieve is unlimited, and no role or opportunity should be considered beyond reach. Confidence, resilience and a willingness to keep growing are the keys that open doors.”
Krikorian’s education in business and finance first brought her to Walker Magnetics Group Inc. where she had the opportunity to build a strong foundation in finance, operations, and manufacturing. In her current role with Riverdale, she oversees the company’s financial operations including planning, risk management, supplier negotiations, commodity purchasing and cost stabilization.
“I work closely with all our teams to ensure we remain aligned both operationally and strategically. There is a complexity to the industry that is both challenging and intriguing. I enjoy solving problems collaboratively, supporting employees across departments, and contributing to the long-term success of American manufacturing.”
One of the biggest challenges Krikorian has navigated is the economic uncertainty and volatility in the global steel market.
Riverdale Mills is a leading American manufacturer of premium welded wire mesh for the marine, security, construction, agriculture, and industrial markets.
“Steel is our single largest raw material cost, so tariffs and pricing fluctuations can have a major impact on the business,” she says. “During disruptions, I’ve focused on stabilizing supply chains, managing costs, and maintaining strong customer relationships through difficult pricing conversations.”
Krikorian says these same skills are important to long term success. “Building confidence, asking questions, staying adaptable, and developing cross-functional knowledge are all essential. Most importantly, do not underestimate your abilities or limit yourself based on outdated perceptions of the industry.”