Women in Business: Malinda Abelseth
CFO and VP of Accounting and HR, Firefly Integrations
How has Malinda gone above and beyond for Firefly Integrations?
When Malinda started at the end of 2018, Firefly only had 54 employees and faced many challenges as a growing company. Today, Malinda is the chief financial officer and VP of accounting and HR for a company of 111 employees. During her time here, Malinda has implemented and trained an HR department that has grown and adapted to many of the challenges we faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to steering us through the pandemic, Malinda has led efforts to make Firefly Integrations a destination employer.
What does Malinda add to the company’s culture?
Malinda significantly contributes to workplace culture by creating an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard. She is a voice for employee perspectives in the decision-making process. Additionally, Malinda has an approachable nature and always offers a listening ear. She creates a space open for communication, enabling team members to express their ideas, feedback and challenges. Malinda cultivates a culture of respect, collaboration and mutual support, which enhances morale, engagement and overall organizational success.
Additionally, Malinda has helped lead the company-wide cultural advancement at Firefly Integrations. She began by evaluating and reporting on cultural challenges within our company. Once the issues were identified, she started working with leaders in the company to train and encourage them through implementing cultural advancements. With Malinda’s efforts, we have seen improvements in employee retention, benefits and job satisfaction.
How does she contribute to the ongoing support of women in the RV industry?
While she does not consider herself a formal mentor, Malinda actively supports women in the RV industry by providing guidance and mentorship to those seeking advice. Her open-door policy encourages women to seek counsel, fostering a supportive environment for professional growth and empowerment.
What else should others know about Malinda?
Malinda wears multiple hats and has a schedule that keeps her extremely busy. Despite her workload, she always takes time to meet with employees who have questions or needs. Malinda makes great sacrifices, often working late to compensate for the time she gives to others. Firefly Integrations is fortunate to have Malinda on our team as she cares deeply about the success of the company and the employees we have.
