The Manufacturing Institute has honored Accuride‘s Mary Blair, senior vice president, supply chain management, as a recipient of its Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award for 2017. The STEP Ahead Awards, now in their fifth year, recognize women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers, and represent all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to the C-Suite. Blair is among this year’s 100 honorees and 30 emerging leaders from 93 companies who represent the diversity of possible career paths in manufacturing.
“It is gratifying to have Mary’s many contributions to her profession, the industry and Accuride’s pursuit of manufacturing excellence recognized by her peers as an example for others,” said Rick Dauch, president and CEO of Accuride. “Through her leadership and expertise, Mary has played a significant role in elevating Accuride’s operating and supply chain performance to world-class standards. She ably represents the thousands of women making a lasting impact in their organizations, professions and communities.”
“These women exemplify the path an exciting career in manufacturing can take,” said Heidi Alderman, 2017 chair of STEP Ahead and senior vice president of Intermediates North America, BASF Corp. “STEP Ahead recognizes women nationwide for their significant achievements in the field of manufacturing, and the positive impact on their companies and the industry as a whole.”
“Being recognized as a 2017 STEP Ahead Award recipient by The Manufacturing Institute is a tremendous honor,” said Blair. “I’m grateful to have this opportunity to join my peers in urging the next generation of women to apply their talents to careers in manufacturing. It’s about engaging, mentoring and leading other women into the global manufacturing environment, and helping them fully capitalize on all the opportunities that provides.”
The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP Ahead initiative in 2012 to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership for attracting, advancing and retaining strong female talent. Accuride’s Jd Marhevko, vice president, quality/Lean management systems and EHS, received a STEP Ahead Award in 2016. The 2017 STEP Ahead Awards Gala on April 20, in Washington, D.C., will celebrate Mary Blair and the rest of this year’s honorees, their nominating organizations and peers within the industry.
