Royal American’s Leading Women

This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to highlight the voices and experiences of women in leadership across Royal American.

Throughout the month, we’ll share personal stories from several of our female leaders as they reflect on their paths, challenges, and inspirations.

Tune in throughout the month as we celebrate the women who help lead this company—and discover the inspiration their journeys offer.

SHANNON SCRIBNER, Controller

Royal American Companies

Starting Position / Hire Date: Sr Accountant – Special Projects | OCT 2022

SHANNON & FAMILY at Stone Mountain, 2026 Lunar New Year Festival

(L–R) Bennet Fountain and Jadyn Scribner (Shannon’s daughter and her boyfriend); Shannon Scribner;

Keith Gosset (Shannon’s brother); Kruz and Logan Scribner (Shannon’s sons)

IN HER OWN WORDS:

1.Your role as Controller requires a strong blend of financial expertise and leadership. What originally drew you to this field, and what key experiences shaped your journey to where you are today?

I was originally drawn to the field when I found myself doing bookkeeping for a fire alarm company right out of high school. As I grew in that role and gained hands-on experience, I realized how much I enjoyed the financial side of the business and decided to pursue a formal education in the field. I wanted to be able to offer companies not only practical experience, but also the technical knowledge that comes with a strong financial background.

Throughout my career, I’ve naturally been guided toward leadership and managerial roles. Over time, I realized that the skills that shaped me as a leader didn’t just come from the business world—they also came from being a parent. Parenthood taught me early on the importance of organization, clear communication, and creating an environment where everyone feels heard. I also learned that supporting a team by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need is essential for collective success. Those lessons have greatly influenced the leader I am today.

2. You hold a position historically dominated by men. What strengths or perspectives do you feel women bring to this type of role that help drive meaningful impact?

The strengths women bring to roles that have historically been dominated by men include strong observation skills, organization, and interpersonal awareness. These qualities help me understand different perspectives and put myself in others’ shoes, which allows me to lead in a way that is both fair and consistent. I also believe women often excel at balancing multiple responsibilities at once. In my role, that ability helps me oversee several sub-departments within accounting while still giving each team the attention and support they need to succeed.

3. Every career comes with hurdles. Can you share a challenge you’ve faced—either in leadership or in finance—and how it contributed to your growth as a professional?

One of the more challenging times in my career was stepping into a department that had been operating with a very hands-off approach. My goal was to help transition it into a more structured and cohesive team where everyone clearly understood the company’s goals and the direction we were moving in. That process required building trust, establishing clearer expectations, and creating better communication within the team.

Over time, as the department became more aligned and collaborative, it was incredibly rewarding to hear colleagues from other areas of the company compliment the department’s progress and effectiveness. Moments like that are very motivating because they reflect the hard work the team has put in.

I’m continuing to grow in my role and learning what works and what doesn’t. I believe professional growth should be ongoing—because when we stop learning and improving, we risk becoming stagnant, and that’s when both individuals and organizations can begin to fall behind.

4. When you’re not leading the financial backbone of RA, what hobbies, interests, or activities help you recharge and stay balanced?

I’m still learning the work–life balance trick—it’s definitely easier said than done. When I do step away from work, I enjoy spending quality time with my kids and taking short trips whenever we can. I also like quieter activities like puzzles and reading mystery novels. And if I’m being honest, I have a bit of an obsession with true crime. Those things help me unwind, recharge, and come back to work with a clearer perspective.

5. What message would you share with young women in our organization who aspire to leadership roles or want to break into fields where they may not always see themselves represented?

My advice to other women considering leadership roles is that growth often happens once you step into the opportunity. Trust the strengths you bring to the table, whether that’s communication, organization, or the ability to connect with people. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and continue learning along the way. Leadership is a constant learning process, surrounding yourself with supportive mentors can make a big difference.