This March, ACD is honoring Women’s History Month by celebrating the dedicated women who are leading the way in the chemical distribution industry.
Our members are at the core of our work, each bringing unmatched experience and new perspectives that serve us well in advocating for the industry and its continued growth. In a traditionally male-dominated field, ACD is proud to recognize the trailblazing women who have been a part of our industry for decades, and the new leaders shaping its future.
These seasoned professionals have broken barriers and showcased their invaluable contributions to the chemical supply chain. Courtney Pytel, President of Access Chemicals and Services, LLC located outside Houston, Texas, has advanced through the ranks at her organization by leading with integrity and trust.
"I owe a lot to the men who believed in me," said Courtney. "I truly enjoyed the chance to explore different roles at Access Chemicals. As I gained experience and understood the nuances of the industry, they allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them. That’s how I approach mentorship too—helping women in the industry recognize that it’s okay to learn from mistakes, make tough decisions, and build a strong foundation of knowledge from the ground up.”
Courtney is also fostering an environment of strong leadership at Access through her role as Vice President of the Houston Chemical Association.
"I'm incredibly proud that about 70% of Access Chemicals' workforce is made up of women, and we've seen that number continue to grow. This is also true of our Houston Chemical Association membership. I strive to hire women and young professionals because it’s vital to support emerging talent and show them that they can succeed and advance to leadership roles in the chemical industry."
ACD’s Leadership Institute is an important initiative that empowers a diverse group of driven professionals with career development and invaluable networking opportunities. Kara Ewonishon, Principal Director of Life Sciences at LBB Specialties, has found that her participation in the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program has helped her develop greater connections and relationships with other women in the industry.
“In just a short time, we have created a tightknit group of women and regularly reach out to each other for advice. As someone who is newer to the chemical distribution industry, this program was really eye opening to me to learn about other businesses in the industry and how various positions handle challenges or pain points differently.”
Kara also encourages women in the industry to be bold, seize opportunities, and remain open to learning more.
“It’s always important to foster a collaborative team and encourage them to ask purposeful questions and offer solutions. If you know what you want, go for it.”
Courtney and Kara are just two examples of women enthusiastically and successfully paving their way in the chemical distribution industry. ACD is proud to cultivate the next generation of leaders through the Leadership Institute, but also ensure women have a pathway to leadership in other facets of the industry.
This past November, ACD’s Board of Directors welcomed its first-ever female Chair, Megan Gluth, Esq. As Chair of the Board, Megan looks to drive the strength and resilience of our industry forward while seizing opportunities and building a legacy of collaboration and innovation across the sector. We value her creative vision for our industry and her commitment to paving a brighter future for all our members.
The leadership of both seasoned experts and rising professionals is shaping a more collaborative future. Through all levels of leadership, women in the chemical industry continue to learn, mentor, and inspire those who follow. ACD proudly celebrates the achievements of these women as they advance the industry forward.
You must be logged in to post a comment.