As program coordinator II for the Advanced Components and Systems Division/Lower Powertrain Products at Caterpillar Inc., Emily West is a vital part of the leadership team in the East Peoria HH facility. With a communications background as a senior producer at WEEK-TV, West was hired to keep employees informed of changes and progress during the company’s SAP transformation. She worked with subject matter experts to author training materials, led a team of power users to test updated processes, and trained all functional groups within the building on the new processes. Under her leadership, the facility was at full production in half the expected time.
West also serves as the Caterpillar Employee United Way Appeal coordinator, designing marketing materials and organizing a committee to educate the Caterpillar workforce. Through her efforts, employee participation has increased each year.
Outside of work, West is a founding member of the Illinois CancerCare Foundation Young Leaders Board. In its first year, she served as president and spearheaded the inaugural Golfin’ in the Wild fundraiser at Wildlife Prairie Park, which has raised more than $90,000 for cancer research. She has also been an active member of the Junior League of Peoria since 2011, having volunteered for an extensive list of Junior League programs and events. A mentor for new members, she currently serves on the Community Impact Committee and as marketing lead, responsible for a committee that promotes the organization’s fundraising events.
In the past, West has volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Association Night Out for Caregivers and served on the American Cancer Society Gala Fundraiser Committee. A graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber’s Community Leadership School and the Leaders Emerging to Advance Peoria (L.E.A.P.) Academy, she is an associate member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and has been a St. Jude Chicago to Peoria runner since 2009. She is also an AFAA-certified group fitness instructor and licensed WERQ instructor, teaching dance at Landmark Recreation Center, and volunteer instructor and “pro” dancer for the CASABlanca: Dancing with the Stars event. iBi
