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Scott Culbreth '92

Scott Culbreth, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Woodmark Corporation
Alumni Leader Spotlight

Scott Culbreth '92

President and Chief Executive Officer, American Woodmark Corporation

My degree in finance led me to a career that applied to various industries — oil, chemical, automotive, tools, cabinets — and got my foot in the door to manufacturing, which has allowed me to succeed. My wife and I met at Virginia Tech and we both love Hokie sports, hiking, and spending time with our family.


Where you've been in your career and where you are going ...


I started my career in finance at Shell Oil Company. After receiving my MBA, I joined Shell Chemical Company supporting the Americas region for a global business unit. I took those finance skills and applied them to manufacturing at Robert Bosch Corporation in Charleston, South Carolina, where I eventually became the plant controller. I next took those finance and operations skills to Newell Brands, where I became the vice president of finance for a business unit, and ultimately the chief financial officer for a business unit sold to private equity. My next stop was to join American Woodmark Corporation as the chief financial officer in 2014 and became the president and CEO in 2020. I love my role and this company, so I don't plan on going anywhere!

A key habit, practice, or skill that's worth the effort ...


Presentation skills. Being able to present to a diverse audience will make a difference in your success.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song ...

"Enter Sandman!"

Best advice I've been given ...

I will share two pieces of advice: Always be looking forward and have a vision for yourself and your company or area of responsibility; advance the organization (servant leadership) instead of advancing yourself (political leadership).

The work project/initiative you're most excited about ...



Executing our company strategy. We have three pillars: growth, digital transformation, and platform design (or 'GDP') that will continue to advance our organization.

Fondest Virginia Tech memory or tradition ...



My favorite memory would be meeting my future wife while a student at Virginia Tech. My favorite tradition is an all day tailgate on a fall day for a Thursday night game.

Best part of being a Virginia Tech alum ...



Ut Prosim. Hokies believe in giving back and serving others. I encounter Hokies all over the world. On every trip I will inevitably pass someone in VT gear and get a "Let's Go!" cheer started.

Top of my bucket list ...

An Alaska trip to see Denali.

How Virginia Tech equipped me for the real world ...



Virginia Tech equipped me with key professional skills — presentation skills, financial skills, business acumen, and a desire to learn and succeed.


Updated on: 7/29/24