GIVING BACK
Walk into Sandra Doyle’s office at Atmos Energy, and one of the first things you’ll notice are the photos that line every wall, bookshelf and ledge. They are more than photos of friends and family. The photos represent connections with senators, congressmen, Gov. Rick Perry, and former Vice President Dick Cheney. They represent who Sandra is, and what she loves to do-network with and for others. “I tell people these photos prove how much work I really do outside of the office. I like to connect people.” Sandra’s gift for relationship building is essential to her role as director of public affairs for Atmos Energy in Dallas, and as a decision maker on the A&M-Commerce foundation board. “Sandra Doyle is all about relationships,” said Dr. Dan Jones, Texas A&M University-Commerce president.“She has opened many doors for her alma mater, introducing us to key leaders in business, education and public service throughout the Metroplex.”
One such introduction between Jones and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert led to a $3.2 million partnership between A&M-Commerce and Education is Freedom in September, a connection Sandra was happy to make given her positive experience on campus. “A&M-Commerce was small enough that I could get to know people, and take on leadership positions with my sorority, Alpha Phi,” she said. “I was encouraged to grow and learn new things by professors who challenged me.” The leadership and confidence Sandra gained on campus proved to be some of her greatest assets as she came into her own in the predominantly male oil and gas industry. “As a female in the industry, I wasn’t always taken seriously,” she said. “For every ‘good old boy,’ however, there was always one or two men who would show me respect, take time to mentor me and teach me the ropes.” The tenacity that brought Sandra success also brought her recognition recently when her employees nominated her as one of the
Dallas Business Journal’s most influential women in Dallas. Out of 400 nominees, Sandra was one of the top 25 selected. “Receiving the award, knowing it was based on nominations from my team, was definitely one of the most influential moments of my career,” Sandra said. For Sandra, the award means she’s leaving a positive legacy for those around her to follow.
“My path has led me in so many different directions, and taught me so many things,” Sandra said. “Most importantly, I’ve learned that whatever your job, work hard and with humility. If you are sweeping floors, be the best floor sweeper you can. For me, that means doing my best to connect people’s needs with resources.” w
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