Forty Under 40: Tina Winham, 35

Sometimes, it’s who you know that counts. That age-old adage rang true for Tina Winham, who with a friend’s recommendation launched her career at Cott Beverage while studying business at the University of Arkansas.
Since 1997, she has worked various positions in the supply chain from customer service to transportation management. A highlight was helping stabilize Cott’s rocky relationship with Wal-Mart and winning its vendor of the year award in 2002. Three years ago, she transitioned to marketing at the prodding of one of her team leaders, with Wal-Mart as her key focus. Her ultimate goal is to move into sales, working directly with large merchandisers as an account leader.
“I love being able to combine my strengths with others to accomplish something big, and that is what motivates me,” she said. “When you find your passion, the leadership just happens.”
While finishing her bachelor’s in marketing online with the University of Phoenix, she also funnels another 20-30 hours a week into the community. She is chair of Leadership Benton County, executive board member for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter and founding member of Susan Barrett’s Women with a Mission for Mercy Hospital.
“We have a duty to give back for what we have been so generously given,” she said.