Women in the Elevator Industry Leadership: Charley Meeks Featured by ELEVATOR WORLD

Women in elevator industry leadership are helping shape the future of vertical transportation through innovation, mentorship and professional development. Charley Meeks of Delaware Elevator was recognized as one of those leaders in the ELEVATOR WORLD article “Women in Motion.”

Published in the September 2024 edition of ELEVATOR WORLD, the article highlighted several accomplished women making a meaningful impact in the traditionally male-dominated elevator industry. In addition to Meeks, the feature recognized Veronica Querales, president and CEO of Kohtler Elevator Industries, and Loannie Reyes, president and CEO of Authentic Elevator Services.

Who Is Charley Meeks?

Charley Meeks represents the fourth generation of her family at Delaware Elevator. Before entering the vertical transportation industry, she worked in the fashion industry. Her career path changed after she attended her first National Association of Elevator Contractors convention and developed an immediate appreciation for the elevator industry and the people working within it.

Inspired by that experience, Meeks left the fashion industry to join her family’s elevator company. She became involved in Delaware Elevator’s marketing and business development efforts while continuing to expand her knowledge of the industry.

Delaware Elevator was founded by Meeks’ grandfather in the 1930s and formally incorporated in 1946. What began as a local, family-owned company has grown into a full-service elevator company employing more than 500 people at the time the article was published.

As part of the fourth generation of family leadership, Meeks is helping Delaware Elevator honor its history while preparing for continued growth. Her work supports the company’s brand, business development and relationships throughout the elevator industry.

Recognizing Women in the Elevator Industry

The ELEVATOR WORLD feature also shared the professional stories of Veronica Querales and Loannie Reyes.

Querales has more than 30 years of experience in vertical transportation. She began working for her family’s elevator service company while attending high school and later earned degrees in business administration, accounting and electrical engineering, followed by an MBA in international management. She leads Kohtler Elevator Industries, a manufacturer of custom and standard elevator cabs serving customers throughout the United States, Caribbean and Virgin Islands.

Reyes, also known as “Elevator Chic,” has more than 25 years of elevator industry experience. She owns Authentic Elevator Services with her husband in the Greater New York area. The company provides elevator maintenance, modernization and repair services for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Reyes is also a New York State licensed elevator mechanic and holds a New York City Agency Director Inspector’s license.

Together, Meeks, Querales and Reyes demonstrate the experience, leadership and diverse professional backgrounds that women bring to the elevator industry.

What Is NAEC Women in Motion?

Women in Motion is an initiative of the National Association of Elevator Contractors. The group provides women working in vertical transportation with opportunities to exchange ideas, build professional connections and support one another’s careers.

Women in Motion began with approximately 20 participants and has grown to include more than 100 members. Its continued growth reflects the increasing presence and influence of women throughout the elevator industry.

Through networking, education and mentorship, the group helps women discuss industry challenges, learn from one another and prepare for leadership opportunities. Women in Motion also encourages broader conversations about how elevator companies can attract, support and retain more women in technical, operational and executive roles.

Learn more about the NAEC Women in Motion Committee and its work to champion education, networking and mentorship in the vertical transportation industry.

Supporting the Future of Elevator Industry Leadership

The recognition of Charley Meeks in ELEVATOR WORLD reflects Delaware Elevator’s commitment to strong leadership, professional development and the future of the vertical transportation industry.

Women throughout the industry are contributing to elevator manufacturing, maintenance, modernization, repair, inspection, marketing, business development and company leadership. Their knowledge and perspectives are helping elevator companies grow, adapt and prepare for the future.

Delaware Elevator is proud to see Charley Meeks recognized alongside other accomplished women in elevator industry leadership. Their work demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities, sharing knowledge and supporting the next generation of elevator professionals.

Adapted from “Women in Motion,” written by Vong Keovongsa and published in the September 2024 edition of ELEVATOR WORLD.

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