Woman of the Year profile: Becky J. Payton, York International

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Sep 30, 2005 by Journal Record Staff

For most of her 29-year career, Becky Payton has worked in male- dominated industries, including the fields of automotive, food manufacturing and heating and air conditioning. During that time, she has witnessed many changes regarding the attitudes and stereotypes of women in business and leadership roles.

She considers reaching her current leadership position as the first female vice president of York International's Unitary Products Group as her most significant professional accomplishment.

It has given me an opportunity to be in a key decision-making role to make professional life much improved for all of our employees, but especially for our women, Payton said. Issues such as the balance of work and family, equal pay and opportunity are things I am pleased to be able to work with on a daily basis and, along the way, I am allowed to mentor other women who are in various stages of their careers.

I believe that the strong work ethics and values bestowed upon me by my parents, combined with all of my years of working in various positions as a single mother and later a wife and parent of a blended family, have all cumulated in this moment of time in my life where I can have some wisdom in helping others make good choices for themselves, she said.

An East Central University graduate, Payton started her career as a purchasing agent for General Tire and Rubber Co. in 1976. She then worked for Pre-Paid Legal Services as vice president of operations for six years before being named manager of human resources for Viskase in 1988. She began working at York in 1998 and has been in her current position since 2001.

Payton, who also has her certification as a human resources professional, is a charter member of the Sooner Society of Human Resources and is active with the Oklahoma Society of Human Resource Managers. She serves on the board of the Norman Chamber of Commerce and currently chairs the Workers' Compensation Reform Committee for The State Chamber.

Her civic involvement includes serving on the boards of the United Way of Norman and Kiwanis Club of Norman. The Ada Business and Professional Women's Club named her Working Mother of the Year in 1985.

My most important influences have been my parents. Growing up in a large family in rural Oklahoma, even though my world was small, my parents always made me believe in myself and that I could do anything if I worked hard enough, Payton said.

I believe in four basic things. One, keep your faith center in your life. Two, always keep your life in perspective by knowing what is truly important and what is not, and react accordingly. And three, take personal responsibility for your life. The decisions you make are the ones that set you apart. Lastly, surround yourself with great people you can learn from and keep a sense of humor along the way.

Birthplace: O'Neil, Neb.

Spouse: Russell

Children: Jacey, 26; Heath, 26; Justin, 25; Jill, 24; Ky, 22

Grandchildren: Kobe, 7

First job: Customer service representative for General Tire and Rubber

Dream job: I think I have it now. Great job. Great company.

Hobbies: Reading, movies and spending time with family

Favorite type of food: Mexican and Cajun

Favorite type of music: Soft rock - Billy Joel and Phil Collins

Favorite vacation spot: Carmel, Calif.