Jodi Lynn Barone
Jodi Barone is a results-driven operational leader with a proven track record in driving organizational excellence, process optimization, and team performance. Currently serving as Regional Distribution Manager at IPEX by Aliaxis, she leverages her expertise in lean methodologies, change management, and data-driven decision-making to enhance operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction. With a hands-on approach to leadership, Jodi excels at building high-performing, collaborative teams that consistently deliver measurable business outcomes.
Prior to her current role, Jodi held several key leadership positions at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., including Senior Operations Manager and Administrative Supervisor. In these roles, she transformed warehouse operations, increased productivity, and implemented strategic initiatives that improved efficiency across multiple shifts. Her accomplishments include increasing unit-per-hour output by 33 points within eight months, driving change management initiatives, and optimizing staffing and workflow processes—all while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and employee engagement.
Jodi holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Project Management from Southern New Hampshire University, graduating summa cum laude. She is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, underscoring her expertise in process improvement and operational excellence. Recognized for her innovative, thoughtful, and collaborative leadership style, Jodi continues to advance organizational success while mentoring teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Professional
• Southern New Hampshire University - MBA
• Power of Performance Business Award
• Delta Mu Delta
• American Heart Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a foundation of faith, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, grounded in a deep belief that everyone has value. I've been fortunate to learn from leaders who challenged me to grow and who reinforced the importance of respect, inclusion, and listening. I believe in showing up consistently, doing the hard work with humility, and creating space for others to contribute and succeed. When setbacks came, and they did, I chose to learn, adjust, and get back up - carrying those lessons forward to lead with greater clarity, courage, and care.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to ask questions, all the questions you're thinking. Don't be afraid of how you look or what people think. Know your business.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to learn the business end-to-end! Get comfortable with data and people - spend time on the floor, in the DC, and with cross-functional partners. Ask why things work the way they do. Credibility in supply chain comes from understanding the operation, not just from managing the reports.
Find your voice early - and use it! You don't have to be the loudest voice in the room, but you do need to be clear and confident. Your perspective is valuable, especially in an industry that thrives from diverse thinking.
Finally - choose growth over comfort - if a role scares you a little, it's probably a growth role! Some of the best opportunities won't look perfect: night shifts, startup sites, messy processes, or tough roles. These experiences build resilience and set you apart.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Supply chain leaders face a myriad of challenges currently. Labor availability, engagement and retention challenges leaders to create stable teams while balancing cost, engagement, and performance. Cost pressure and margin compression challenges leaders to drive efficiency and fiscal discipline without burning out the teams or compromising safety. Inventory volatility and forecast accuracy challenge us to maintain tight collaboration between distribution, replenishment, and planning. Technology adoption and change fatigue pose real challenges as we lead people through transformation, not just implementing systems. Safety, compliance, and risk management challenge us to maintain a strong safety culture under performance pressures. Service expectation and speed is a constant challenge - to sustain high on-time and accuracy metrics amid disruptions. Leadership capability and bench strength is another opportunity as we are trying to build the next line of amazing leaders while continuing to deliver results today. Finally, cross-functional alignment continues to be an ever-present opportunity to align teams around shared outcomes, not functional wins.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am guided by faith that grounds me in purpose, humility, and hope. I believe we are all called to grow, to serve others, and to lead with integrity - especially when the path is uncertain. I am committed to continuous learning, knowing that improvement comes from curiosity, reflection, and the willingness to listen and adapt. When challenges arise, I choose resilience. I may stumble, but I will always get back up - stronger, wiser, and more determined to move forward with courage and care.