BACKGROUND
Smith earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. She started as a design engineer with HVAC and plumbing systems. As her skills developed, she added electrical design along with project engineer and project management titles. Smith has been with Sycamore Engineering for 24 years and has developed a strong grasp of each management role.

COMPANY INFORMATION
Sycamore Engineering was founded in 1960 by the Dinkel family who has owned and operated the company since inception. The company has grown to include complete electrical, mechanical, and service-related activities. Their mechanical and sheet metal fabrication shops provide in-house service for mechanical construction projects as well as stand-alone projects. Sycamore offers Electrical, Mechanical, Sheet Metal, Building Solutions, Engineering, and a full-service fleet. Servicing commercial, industrial, and healthcare clients in West Central Indiana and East Central Illinois with annual sales volume of $40 million.

INVOLVEMENT WITH NECA
Sycamore Engineering joined the Central Indiana Chapter in 1966. Sara started as the Primary Contact in 2001 and has held various positions with the chapter since, including Division Chair, Board Member, Health and Welfare Trustee and Negotiating Chairman. She served as Chapter President for three years and is currently the Chapter Governor. She has been on the Management Development Committee since 2023 and also contributes to Women in NECA. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Union Health System and the Terre Haute Chamber.

INDUSTRY OBSERVATIONS
Smith believes being involved is not an option, but a duty to improve the outcomes of the community. Do not be afraid to be curious and ask questions, you will learn something new every day.

AWAY FROM THE OFFICE
Sara’s proudest achievement is her family. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 24 years and have three children. Their son Hudson is studying at Indiana State University; their son Oliver is a senior in high school, and their daughter Vivienne is a freshman in high school. For fun Smith enjoys golfing, playing pickleball and tennis, traveling, and spending lazy weekends at the lake with her family.