MCWT Names Dow CIO Melanie Kalmar its New President

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation has named Melanie Kalmar its president for 2020. Kalmar is corporate vice president, chief information officer and chief digital officer for Dow. Kalmar replaces Jane Sydlowski, CEO of AMI Strategies, who led the organization last year. Jennifer Charters, executive vice president and CIO of Flagstar Bank, will assume the role of vice president.

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation has named Melanie Kalmar its president for 2020. Kalmar is corporate vice president, chief information officer and chief digital officer for Dow. Kalmar replaces Jane Sydlowski, CEO of AMI Strategies, who led the organization last year. Jennifer Charters, executive vice president and CIO of Flagstar Bank, will assume the role of vice president.

MCWT President Melanie Kalmar

“Through our focus on education, engagement and empowerment, MCWT has inspired women all over the state to pursue a technology career,” said Kalmar. “We will continue to drive more progress, serving as a resource and convening students, professionals and companies in partnership to drive more opportunities.”

Kalmar’s engagement with MCWT began four years ago when the nonprofit’s programs motivated her to get involved. Since then, Dow has sponsored a ConnectNet networking event for career women in technology and five Camp Infinity technology programs for middle and high school girls. The camp serves as MCWT’s premier learning event for middle and high school girls. 

Fostering Women in Tech Since 2000

“We’ve developed incredibly effective, robust programs that reach girls as early as the fourth grade and go through retirement,” said Kalmar. “In 2020, MCWT will focus on strengthening our programs to provide meaningful impact throughout the full life of a woman’s career, while advancing our mission to inspire and grow girls and women in tech.”   

New programming will include expanded mentoring opportunities, leadership development, and skill-building forums. Existing ConnectNet networking events and the annual Executive Connection Summit provide a wealth of value for career women. The organization also leverages its partnerships with likeminded nonprofits and companies to offer additional resources and learning opportunities. 

Kalmar’s Role at Dow

At Dow, Kalmar drives the global strategy for information technology and digital capabilities to advance the company’s growth and business strategies. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Dow’s most senior executive committee that sets the strategic direction, defines priorities and is accountable for delivering enterprise-level results. Kalmar is actively involved in helping drive Dow’s diversity and inclusion strategy as a member of the President’s Inclusion Council, and executive sponsor of the newly formed PRIME employee resource group. She resides in Midland.

Charters’ Role at Flagstar

Charters provides overall executive leadership and strategic direction for Flagstar Bank’s IT organization, including the delivery of technology initiatives and management of IT operations. She spent the 12 years prior at Ally, lastly as CIO of Corporate Technology, where she was responsible for technology across Ally’s enterprise functions. Charters resides in Northville.

“We have a wonderful platform to build on, thanks to Jane Sydlowski’s commitment and leadership,” Charters said. “She helped MCWT achieve a record year in growth with membership at 1,000 and some 116 partners who fuel our vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology.”

Kalmar and Charters will serve a one-year term alongside the MCWT board of directors. Chris Rydzewski continues as executive director.

About MCWT

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation strives to inspire and grow girls and women in technology fields, with a vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology. The organization supports Michigan’s female IT workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences for professionals and students. Find more information at mcwt.org and connect via Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.