Get to Know: EVP of Strategic Initiatives, Kim Fix

In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to highlight Rand's EVP of strategic initiatives, Kim Fix, and her significant role on Rand's leadership team. In the Q&A below, get a first-hand look at her passions and inspirational advice for women entering the industry.

Q: Describe your career background. What led you to serve in your current position?

Kim: I began my career in 1992 at Advanced MP as an excess buyer and was quickly recruited to the sourcing team to fill a memory buyer role.?In 1993, one of my co-workers went to work at Rand Technology and recommended me.?I began working at Rand as a buyer and began to quickly see areas of required infrastructure needed to support our customers. CEO Andrea Klein has always fostered a customer focused culture, and before the customers asked for suppliers to be ISO (international organization for standardization) certified, she asked me to become trained and Rand Certified.?At that point, I started my journey into quality systems, customer requirements, industry standards, counterfeit mitigation and supply chain management.??

Q: Describe your current role at Rand, and what you especially like about it. ?

Kim: I am currently serving as EVP of strategic initiatives and focusing on our ITAD (IT asset disposition) services.?In today’s world, responsible recycling and sustainability is critical to our environment and customers.?I am passionate about improving our infrastructure, operations, and process efficiencies at our ITAD center in Knoxville, Tenn. because demand is at an all-time high for ITAD recovery.?Many of our customers are refreshing infrastructures and looking for a return on investment on their IT assets. We are proud to offer white glove services.?

Q: As a female leader at Rand, what does it mean to work in the semiconductor, electronic component supply chain industry??

Kim: I am fortunate to have been with Rand Technology for the better part of 30 years and take great pride in our representation of female leaders in our industry. Women in our space are typically outnumbered 8-to-1 on average. Recently, we have seen many younger women taking an interest in the technical and engineering aspects of semiconductors and component engineering.?It is exciting at my age to have the opportunity to learn from a new generation as well as mentor other females.??

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring females who want to work in tech??

Kim: The tech segment or supply chain industry needs more leaders.?The rate of technology innovation is increasing daily, providing an ever-changing and expanding microcosm. We are continually researching, expanding and growing as individuals, as companies and an industry.?Think about the evolution of electronic devices and its components continuous improvement over the years.?Today, we live in smart homes, drive electric cars and work practically anywhere on the planet. Now imagine where we are going. You can become a part of the digital transformation and evolution of all things electronic.?