ARCH Celebrates International Women’s Day Through Gender Diverse Executive Team

Research shows that companies with diverse cultures, including women in corporate leadership positions, perform better. ARCH is a company that is fully invested in a diverse culture that is endorsed and promoted throughout the organization, and it relies on its gender-diverse leadership team to drive its strategy and growth.

Two key members of the ARCH leadership team, Lori Lorant, vice president, human resources and Michelle Connolly, vice president, finance share their philosophies, and the corporate philosophy of ARCH in a special International Women’s Day report.   

Lorant brought experience, skill and a uniquely inclusive HR philosophy to her role at ARCH. “I believe that leaders must remain humble and that they must always remain ready to pitch-in, doing whatever is necessary, no matter their title or position,” she said. “I’m fortunate to be with a company that makes that philosophy part of its way of doing business.”  

Lorant is an experienced HR professional with a history of success. She is experienced in talent management, employee relations, strategic planning, succession planning, multi-site- and -state HR leadership, due diligence relating to M&A activity, and on-boarding and the integration of employees from new companies.

Similarly, Connolly, who has responsibility for all financial reporting for the company, offers a unique perspective on her role. “While I’ve had a great deal of success at ARCH, I think my greatest satisfaction is in earning the respect of the people I work with,” she said. “I work with incredibly talented, intelligent people – having their respect, and their support, means we’re all successful.” Connolly added that learning from her team is important. “I continually learn from the people I work with too. I learn new things, unexpectedly, all the time.” Part of her work includes due diligence related to ARCH M&A activity. “Given the pace of change and growth at ARCH, it’s impossible to get bored,” Connolly said.

Both executives noted that they are fortunate to work within a corporate culture that is diverse and supportive; and both said that it is gratifying to represent women within their organization, and within the industry overall.

“It hasn’t always been easy,” said Connolly. “I have certainly had some ‘curve balls’ thrown my way, but each one has resulted in a valuable lesson that helped me get where I need to be.”

“It’s important there is a place for strong women in business,” Lorant said. “Opportunity and success should be based on skills, ability and ambition.”