Forty Under 40: Autumn Manning, 30

Autumn Manning was the first employee of organizational development firm SVI, “when [founder] Mike Thompson was operating it from his garage,” she said.

She helped build the 8-year-old company, first by leading the research division, and then transferring to the client side to help lead client interaction, business development and project work.

SVI now has more than 22 employees, she said, and she enjoys getting to work with some of the world’s biggest companies and helping them with their bottom lines.
But the 2003 UA grad feels one of her biggest achievements is being able to prioritize motherhood, her job and community service.

In 2009, while pregnant with her second child, she started the MACC Initiative — Mothers & Companies Cooperating — which provides resources, training and support to working moms and companies that employ them.

Manning joins SVI’s annual mission trips, and volunteers with CASA, or Court-Appointed Special Advocates, which helps abused or neglected children find permanent homes.

“CASA is very close to my heart,” she said. “Through different experiences in my life, I can empathize with the kids and wanted to get involved firsthand, because I know that others getting involved in their lives can really have a great impact.”