The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced today that Sonia Timmons, Chief Financial Officer at Vallen, has been selected as the 2026 ISA Women’s Influence Award recipient. Timmons was formally recognized at ISA26 in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Women’s Influence Award honors an individual from an ISA member company for their commitment to advancing the development and influence of women in the industrial supply channel. The award is open to any person who has made a significant contribution to improving the careers, opportunities, and advancement of women within the channel.
“Sonia represents the very best of what this award stands for,” said Brendan Breen, President and CEO of ISA. “Her impact is measurable, her leadership is respected, and her commitment to developing others is unmistakable. Sonia’s influence reaches across her organization, our industry, and the lives of the people she mentors and supports.”
A valued member of Vallen’s leadership team, Timmons has played a critical role in strengthening the company’s financial performance and long-term strategic direction. Her impact includes driving value creation through leadership in major mergers and acquisitions, overseeing capital management, the development of financial systems to enhance forecasting with a focus on speed, accuracy, and accountability. She ensures there is a balance between financial controls, growth enablement, and maximizing returns for investors. She currently leads Vallen’s Global Finance team with footprints in North America and Europe.
Beyond financial results, Timmons has been instrumental in shaping Vallen’s culture and commitment to inclusion. She is a founding member of two employee resource groups, VICKIE and BERG, helping to establish programs that support the development and advancement of women and underrepresented employees. She also serves on the Vallen Cares Advisory Council, where she helps guide community engagement efforts and encourages team participation across the organization. Her leadership style emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and sustained growth across teams.
Her influence also extends throughout the industrial supply industry. Through ISA, she has held key volunteer roles, including Advancement & Equality Committee Leader for Women in Industry and Leadership Member for Emerging Leaders. She has contributed valuable industry insights as a conference speaker and panelist for ISA and other industry organizations. She has also supported the ISA Women in Industry Mentorship Program, helping guide the next generation of leaders.
“Sonia’s influence shows up in the way people grow around her,” said Joby Strobo, Staff Champion for ISA’s Women in Industry Network. “She creates space for women to develop, lead, and advance while holding herself to the highest professional standard. Her impact is lasting, and it’s felt far beyond her own role.”
Timmons’ commitment to service also reaches into the broader community. She serves as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, providing leadership and oversight in support of services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. She holds the Treasurer Board role on the National Federation of the Blind, Parents of Blind Children. She is also active with Women Executives of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Sonia Timmons. “I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders and organizations that believe in developing people and creating opportunity. Supporting the growth of women in this industry, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply leading by example, is something I care deeply about. I’m grateful to ISA and Vallen for the platform to do that work.”
Timmons and her husband, Jessie, are raising five children, balancing demanding professional responsibilities with an equally strong commitment to family. That balance, combined with her leadership and advocacy, reflects the spirit of the ISA Women’s Influence Award.
