Simpson Strong-Tie, the industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, was recognized in the inaugural Watermark Index as paving the way for gender diversity in corporate leadership. It is one of only 11 companies in the San Francisco Bay Area where women hold 30 percent or more of the top-five compensated executive positions and board seats.

Watermark, a leading Bay Area executive women’s organization, collaborated with UC Davis to launch the Watermark Index, which is based on data from the 2015-2016 UC Davis Study of California Women Business Leaders. The study analyzed the 223 largest public companies headquartered in the Bay Area. From a revenue standpoint, the study found that companies on the Watermark Index outperformed other companies in the region by 49 percent, and companies in the state by 35 percent.

“We are very honored to be among a stellar group of companies recognized in the inaugural Watermark Index. Women in senior roles at Simpson Strong-Tie is a natural extension of our company culture. It’s the right thing to do, it has the support of the entire management team, and it’s the way we do business,” said Simpson Strong-Tie President and CEO Karen Colonias.

“This recognition is a wonderful endorsement of our efforts, and it inspires us to get better at ensuring that women have the opportunities and support to lead our company. I hope to see many more organizations recognized for supporting the development of women,” she added.

Simpson Strong-Tie received the recognition at the annual Make Your Mark Awards held on November 17 in Burlingame. For the full list of companies recognized at the event, visit www.wearewatermark.org.