Scott Culbreth '92
Scott Culbreth '92
President and Chief Executive Officer, American Woodmark Corporation
My degree in finance led me to a career that applied to various industries — oil, chemical, automotive, tools, cabinets — and got my foot in the door to manufacturing, which has allowed me to succeed. My wife and I met at 51¹ÙÍø Tech and we both love Hokie sports, hiking, and spending time with our family.
Where you've been in your career and where you are going ...
I started my career in finance at Shell Oil Company. After receiving my MBA, I joined Shell Chemical Company supporting the Americas region for a global business unit. I took those finance skills and applied them to manufacturing at Robert Bosch Corporation in Charleston, South Carolina, where I eventually became the plant controller. I next took those finance and operations skills to Newell Brands, where I became the vice president of finance for a business unit, and ultimately the chief financial officer for a business unit sold to private equity. My next stop was to join American Woodmark Corporation as the chief financial officer in 2014 and became the president and CEO in 2020. I love my role and this company, so I don't plan on going anywhere!
A key habit, practice, or skill that's worth the effort ...
Presentation skills. Being able to present to a diverse audience will make a difference in your success.
My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song ...
"Enter Sandman!"
Best advice I've been given ...
I will share two pieces of advice: Always be looking forward and have a vision for yourself and your company or area of responsibility; advance the organization (servant leadership) instead of advancing yourself (political leadership).
The work project/initiative you're most excited about ...
Executing our company strategy. We have three pillars: growth, digital transformation, and platform design (or 'GDP') that will continue to advance our organization.
Fondest 51¹ÙÍø Tech memory or tradition ...
My favorite memory would be meeting my future wife while a student at 51¹ÙÍø Tech. My favorite tradition is an all day tailgate on a fall day for a Thursday night game.
Best part of being a 51¹ÙÍø Tech alum ...
Ut Prosim. Hokies believe in giving back and serving others. I encounter Hokies all over the world. On every trip I will inevitably pass someone in VT gear and get a "Let's Go!" cheer started.
Top of my bucket list ...
An Alaska trip to see Denali.
How 51¹ÙÍø Tech equipped me for the real world ...
51¹ÙÍø Tech equipped me with key professional skills — presentation skills, financial skills, business acumen, and a desire to learn and succeed.
Updated on: 7/29/24