PPG recently announced that Courtney Balliet, PPG manager, strategy, science and technology (S&T), has earned the STEP Ahead Award, presented by the Manufacturing Institute. The recognition acknowledges Balliet’s exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the manufacturing industry.
Beginning in 2012, Balliet conducted industrial coatings research at PPG’s Global Coatings Innovation Center, where she developed a variety of technologies including coil, display and conductive coatings. Balliet has also been a driving force behind PPG’s patent-pending anti-fingerprint (AFP) coating, a cutting-edge technology that significantly reduces the appearance of fingerprints on electronic displays and other touch screens for consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
“This recognition is exceptionally meaningful to me, as it allows the Manufacturing Institute to share women’s untold industry stories on a grand stage,” said Courtney Balliet, PPG manager, strategy, science and technology. “Women can often be an untapped talent resource in STEM industries, and by sharing even one woman’s accomplishments, we can inspire the next generation to pursue a career path never imagined, changing the world for the better.”
The Manufacturing Institute, which is the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, created the STEP Ahead Awards to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding female leadership in manufacturing. The institute vets and scores candidates in two key areas: their contributions to their company and how they have mentored and volunteered in their community.
“PPG is immensely proud of the trailblazing contributions that Courtney has made to PPG and the manufacturing industry at large,” said David Bem, PPG chief technology officer and vice president, S&T. “At PPG, Courtney has played a pivotal role in creating innovative technology platforms for our global customers that span across multiple markets, which will carry a lasting impact on the industry. Her leadership style consistently motivates her teammates in the lab, and her efforts outside the lab inspire the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Courtney is a strong community ally to women of all ages and backgrounds, boosting their confidence as they set out to make their own mark in scientific industries – as Courtney has done and continues to do.”
At PPG, Balliet actively mentors Ph.D. scientists and undergraduate interns, and she assists in campus recruiting efforts at Carnegie Mellon University, which is her alma mater. She also has served as a volunteer for the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair for several years, sharing her expertise with budding scientists from grades 6-12 to strengthen their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.
