Her Story
About Shannon
Shannon Wingard is an accomplished Executive Assistant and Notary Public with a rich and diverse professional background rooted in a deep commitment to service, learning, and leadership. Before transitioning to the corporate world, Shannon dedicated 16 years to education as a teacher and reading specialist with Elkhart Community Schools, earning her Master's Degree in Reading Specialist/Elementary Education from Ball State University. Seeking new challenges and opportunities where her talents would be fully recognized, she pivoted to the manufacturing sector, bringing with her an exceptional ability to organize, communicate, and support leadership at the highest level. She has since built a distinguished career as an Executive Assistant, holding roles at Abro Industries, ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, and most recently Grand Design RV, one of the leading recreational vehicle manufacturers in the country, where she has served for nearly four years. In her current role at Grand Design RV, Shannon serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership, seamlessly managing state licensing compliance, notarizations, executive calendars, travel coordination, meeting documentation, and a broad range of internal communications. Known for her discretion, composure under pressure, and anticipatory thinking, she ensures that leadership can operate at peak efficiency while she handles the complexity behind the scenes. Shannon is also a certified Notary Public through the Indiana Secretary of State and is actively pursuing formal certification as an executive assistant, reflecting her lifelong dedication to professional growth. She is a proud Board Member of the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Events Committee for RMHC Michiana, further extending her influence beyond the workplace. In 2026, she was recognized as one of Middlebury, Indiana's Influential Women — an honor that speaks to both her professional impact and her presence in the broader community. What truly sets Shannon apart is her unwavering commitment to giving back and uplifting those around her. She leads her company's volunteer committee and actively contributes to a wide range of causes, including Ronald McDonald House of Michiana, Habitat for Humanity, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Cultivate Food Rescue, Girls on the Run Michiana, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, Crossroads United Way, Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center, and the American Red Cross. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves to be valued equally — regardless of title or position — Shannon brings that same inclusive spirit into every professional and personal endeavor. Her advice to the next generation of women, particularly those entering male-dominated industries, is simple and powerful: speak up, secure your seat at the table, and never stop learning.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a lifelong learner. I regularly listen to podcasts, watch instructional videos, and take online courses to continuously grow in my role. I recently enrolled in a certification program for executive assistants because I believe that investing in my own development is the most powerful thing I can do — both for myself and for the people I support.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received came from my own boss, who lives by the principle that we don't eat our own. It means we take care of everyone — from senior leadership all the way to our custodial staff. Titles don't define a person's worth, and everyone is treated as an equal. That philosophy has shaped the way I show up every day, and it's one of the reasons I love where I work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Speak up. Make sure your voice is heard and that you have a seat at the table — especially in a male-dominated industry. Don't wait to be invited into the conversation. Claim your place, share your perspective, and advocate for yourself with confidence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge we are currently facing is the state of the economy and its direct impact on the RV industry. We are heading into approximately year four of a significant market downturn — the longest sustained period of difficulty our industry has seen. Navigating that environment requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to supporting both the business and the people within it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Giving back is at the core of everything I do. I was raised with a deep belief in supporting those in need and contributing to the community around me. I feel fortunate to work for a company that shares that value and actively encourages volunteerism and service. Whether at work or in my personal life, being of service to others is what drives me most.
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