Leadership

Charles has dedicated his career to advancing the family business, Reade Advanced Materials. Starting on the manufacturing floor, he worked with magnesium and aluminum powders. He then moved up to become Sales Manager and later served 17 years as President. Today, as Chairman, he strategically guides the export of raw materials and shares his deep knowledge with the sales team. Charles’s achievements extend beyond the company. He graduated from Army ROTC, attended Harvard Business School, and served as a decorated Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran. In 1999, he received NASA’s Commitment to Excellence Award. An industry journal recognized him in 2001 as a pivotal figure, noting, “metals and metal powders are his heritage.” Reflecting on his early experiences, Charles says, “I’ve been in love with powders since I was 7 years old,” recalling the days he spent at the plant with his father, Charles F. Reade Sr. Outside of work, Charles is an active Mason and veteran, has volunteered as a Eucharistic minister and interfaith chaplain, and is a long-time member of the New York Yacht Club. He deeply values time with his four grandchildren, enjoying every moment together.

As President of Reade Advanced Materials, Emily plays a key role in analyzing and improving operations across the company. Her focus ranges from pricing and payments to shipping, personnel, and office workflows. She is committed to mentoring staff, helping them develop their talents and advance their careers. Emily also leads the expansion of the company’s export sales through Reade International Ltd. S.A. in Panama City, enhancing her Spanish skills in the process. “Watching our team’s confidence and capabilities grow through coaching is incredibly rewarding,” she says. Before becoming President, Emily was Vice President at Reade and a Senior Relationship Manager at Citibank North America’s Private Banking Group. She is a cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, where she earned a degree in history. In 2020, Providence Business News recognized her with the Leaders and Achievers Award. Away from work, Emily’s passions include gardening, cooking, and spending precious time with her four grandchildren.

As Vice President at Reade, Bethany is responsible for product selection, ensuring the chemical and physical properties of the products we source meet our customers’ material requirements. In her 35+ years at Reade, Bethany has watched numerous research projects go from the start-up phase to commercial production. In each case, her knowledge and experience have been instrumental in defining the right raw materials for the job. Bethany holds a bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University. “Away from Reade, I find joy working with my children on their school projects, especially helping my son memorize the periodic table,” she says. Like mother, like son.

Amanda, our Controller at Reade, skillfully handles the complexities of financial management, business operations, and strategic optimization. She’s deeply invested in the company, actively enhancing partnerships and maintaining operational excellence. Her passion for continual improvement and innovation is evident. Amanda says, “At Reade, I relish the constant opportunities for growth. It’s thrilling to discover new material applications, visit our vendors to see their operations, and explore emerging sustainable materials.” Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont, has enhanced her expertise through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, and has earned a professional achievement certificate from the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). She also co-founded the Rhode Island Chapter of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), advocating for more women in the industry. Outside the office, Amanda enjoys skiing and sailing with her family, valuing a balance between professional dedication and personal well-being.

With decades of industry experience, Barbara offers a wealth of knowledge on chemicals, materials processing, and logistics. Not surprisingly, her contacts app is filled with the names of long-term business colleagues and customers. “A little research coupled with industry knowledge goes miles and results in relationships for life,” she says. When a customer once contacted her about a black powder he couldn’t identify, Barbara worked with a vendor to determine the material’s name and mesh. The customer works with her to this day. Barbara holds an associate’s degree from Johnson & Wales University and earned a Certificate of Professional Achievement for completing the MPIF Basic Powder Metallurgy course. She enjoys travel, reading, volunteering in her community, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

As an Account Manager at Reade, Ana understands that she represents the company in every interaction. She always treats customers with respect, maintains a positive attitude, and strives to provide the accurate product knowledge they seek. Ana recalls a memorable experience that underscores her commitment to customer satisfaction. “Once, a customer called me around 7:00 p.m. while I was at the supermarket,” she says. “He promised the call would only take 10 minutes, but we ended up having a highly productive hour-and-a-half business discussion, and I left with a full cart of groceries.” Ana earned her bachelor’s degree in humanities, with a focus on English, from the University of Panama. She has also completed customer service training at Four Points by Sheraton. Outside of work, Ana cherishes her time with family, particularly taking her daughter to various activities on weekends.

Jillian’s career at Reade exemplifies professional advancement, moving from Administrative Assistant to her current role as Office and IT Manager. She played a key role in the company’s shift to digital and cybersecurity technologies and spearheaded the implementation of our new customer relationship management system using Salesforce. “Every day at Reade brings a new learning experience,” Jillian says. “I enjoy discovering new material formulas, their applications, and seeing the final products they help create.” Jillian holds a GED and is a certified Salesforce administrator. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, writing poetry, and spending quality time with her family.

As the Director of Sales at Reade, David focuses on empowering both customers and colleagues to achieve their goals. He believes that open communication is the key to deepening knowledge and enhancing customer service. David remarks, “Open communication channels are invaluable for learning about the diverse applications of materials in industries around the globe.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas and a professional certification in Powder Metallurgy from MPIF. Outside of work, David is passionate about outdoor activities including distance running, hiking, camping, and sailing.