Kim Abair - 2016-17 SPIE Women in Optics Planner
Regional Account Manager, Photonics Media, USA
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Country of Birth: USA
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I started my career in photonics right out of high school in an entry-level position at a large photonics company. I remember being in awe of the brilliant people around me. They introduced me to science and how it contributes to advancement, and I was fascinated by the world of photonics.
After many years as a director of global marketing at a large corporation and now as a regional account manager at Photonics Media, I consider myself a resource and strategic partner for companies that want to communicate their products to the photonics community by designing programs that will help them reach their marketing goals.
The photonics industry is very unique. Marketing to this industry requires a familiarity with cyclical challenges, an understanding of scientific needs, and of customer groups. I don’t have a technical degree, but this industry knowledge is also important for a company to be successful. It takes many people from different disciplines to keep photonics moving forward.
Sometimes the best things in life are a surprise. I landed my first job in photonics by luck and I had no idea what it was all about or how important it would become to me. I stayed in the industry because I enjoy being a part of a community that contributes to the advancement of science and welcomes people from different disciplines.