At the DCAT Leadership Breakfast held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel during DCAT Week ‘15 the Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT) presented Kathleen Gianetti (DCAT president 1996-1997) with the newly established Founders Award. This award was created in honor of the organization’s 125th Anniversary and given to Ms. Gianetti in recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to furthering the ideals of the organization and helping achieve its mission.

Ms. Gianetti became an active volunteer with DCAT in 1977 and quickly earned a position on DCAT’s Membership Committee. Over the years she held various volunteer positions—from regional representative to East Coast vice president—before being elected to go through the officer chair positions, becoming only the second female DCAT president in 1996.

During her 25+ years with the association, Ms. Gianetti has served as an example and encouraged other industry women to get involved. She is grateful for all of the opportunities her involvement with DCAT has given her, especially in the early years of her career. “When I became active in the association, we were at a time in history when women really started to enter the industry. Belonging to DCAT made my career in sales,” said Ms. Gianetti.

Over the past year, Ms. Gianetti has helped the DCAT staff uncover the rich history of the organization and provided insight about DCAT during her active years. Reflecting, Ms. Gianetti said, “It has been a joy to watch DCAT grow over the years. I am so proud of what DCAT has become.”