Carla Smyer, chief administrative officer, for Riback Supply, based in Columbia, Mo., with 18 branches in Missouri and Kansas, retired on Oct. 1 after 44 years of service to the company.

Smyer started with the company as a clerk at the Columbia headquarters and rose to chief administrative officer, Riback’s second in command. For more than 25 years, she headed Riback’s Heating Products Division, headquartered in Springfield, Mo.

Marty Riback, Riback Supply’s president emeritus said of Carla Smyer: “Carla is an exceptional individual.  She entered the male-dominated world HVAC supply at a time when there were almost no other ‘non-family related’ women in the industry. She became known to vendors and industry insiders as a forceful and articulate voice. She gained the respect of Riback’s customers statewide. Carla is a pioneer for women in management.”

Carla Smyer is the daughter of Pearl Smyer and the late Payton Smyer of Cabool. Carla and her husband Frank will continue to make their home outside of Springfield.