Lora McIlheran

About Lora McIlheran

Driven and results-focused sales leader with over 14 years of progressive experience at 3M, specializing in aerospace, distribution, channel, and key account management roles. Currently serving as the 3M Aerospace Distribution Sales Leader in Austin, TX, I spearhead customer engagement and growth initiatives with aerospace distribution partners—aligning sales plans, managing customer incentives, and delivering comprehensive training to drive market expansion. Proven track record in building and scaling global channel partnerships. As a Channel Sales Manager, I oversaw three major global partners—generating year-over-year sales growth of 40% in 2021 and 50% in 2022. I excel at conducting quarterly business reviews, launching marketing programs, and optimizing distributor digital strategies.As a Global Key Account Manager, I managed a large Fortune 500 client\'s full 3M portfolio—delivering 15% annual growth and expanding account engagement by 20% through strategic planning, tailored solutions, and proactive business development.I bring a strong foundation in analytics and operational excellence—from leading CRM implementations and process automation to analyzing POS data and optimizing market penetration. With hands-on experience managing territories, developing marketing funds, and delivering over 100 product trainings, my strength lies in aligning cross-functional teams to deliver measurable business impact.Specialties include:Strategic account and channel partner managementHigh-impact sales growth and market share expansionCRM strategy and data-driven decision makingCross-functional project leadershipTraining design and deliveryIncentive and go-to-market program developmentProficiency with SAP, CRM systems, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office suite I’m passionate about tackling challenges head-on and thrive in competitive environments—consistently driving results and delivering customer-first solutions in complex sales landscapes.

Experience

1. Aerospace Distribution Sales Leader

   3M

   Nov 2024 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Lead Customer engagement and insights with assigned aerospace distribution partners- Implements sales growth plans, customer incentive plans, customer trainings and manages opportunities - Supports key division growth initiatives, global key account strategies, and conversion programs- Execution of supporting Aerospace quality management system compliance

Education

• Michigan State University

  Bachelors, Finance

  2005 — 2009

Skills

• Microsoft Word
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Oracle Reports
• Sales
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Project Management
• Sales Management
• Marketing
• Analysis
• Access
• Key Account Management
• Training
• New Business Development
• Crm Software
• Word
• Competitive Analysis
• Leadership
• Excel
• Strategy
• Sales Operations
• Reporting & Analysis
• Management
• Sap
• Account Management
• Crm
• Product Marketing