Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Murray is a seasoned customer service and inside sales specialist with more than 20 years of experience in industrial manufacturing, automation, and distribution. Based in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, she has developed a versatile career spanning office administration, estimating, order entry, contract management, accounting, payroll, purchasing, inventory, logistics, production scheduling, and warehouse operations. Her experience with ERP systems, ISO standards, robotics, and automation has enabled her to bridge administrative expertise with hands-on operational knowledge.
Alongside her professional career, Andrea is a dedicated volunteer firefighter and currently serves as President of the Harmony Township Volunteer Fire Department in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. She joined the fire service in 2020 and became department president in December 2025, taking on responsibilities that include overseeing members, managing department finances and contracts, coordinating meetings, and serving as a liaison with local government. She has completed Pennsylvania State Fire Academy training and holds certifications including Firefighter 1 and Vehicle Rescue Technician.
Andrea is also passionate about leadership, community service, and encouraging more women to pursue careers in the fire service. As a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has faced challenges establishing her authority, but she has used those experiences to strengthen her leadership and mentor others. Her combination of industrial expertise, customer service skills, technical knowledge, and community dedication makes her a versatile professional and committed public servant.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the example my father set for me. Growing up, I watched him work three jobs to support our family, and his dedication and determination inspired me to develop the same strong work ethic. After my hysterectomy, I struggled to find my purpose, but this role gave me a renewed sense of direction. Today, I am motivated to positively impact my community, contribute to my department, and inspire young girls to see themselves in roles like mine and believe, “I can do that too.”
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do it! The fire service will be one of the hardest things you ever do, but it can also be one of the most exciting, rewarding, and meaningful careers you can have. The sense of purpose, pride, and fulfillment that comes from serving your community is unmatched. There are also many different roles within the fire service, from interior firefighting to operating trucks, exterior support, and auxiliary positions. My advice to young women is not to let gender or age discourage you—there is a place for everyone who wants to serve.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is being a woman in the fire service, particularly while serving in a leadership role. Leading, holding people accountable, and sometimes having to reprimand male firefighters can be challenging, especially when there are still doubts about women’s abilities in the field. I often feel that I have to prove myself, but I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate that women are equally capable of serving, leading, and succeeding in the fire service.
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