Lee Kanney, 33
Manager, Composite Materials DevelopmentCooper Tire & Rubber Co.
Lee Kanney spent the spring and summer of 2002 working for Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. as part of a student co-op program and has been there ever since.
As manger of composite materials development, Kanney develops new and improved rubber and reinforcement materials to enhance the performance of Cooper products.
“My favorite aspect of the tire industry is that I’m involved in designing and producing a product that is used by consumers every day. As I think most of us do, I walk through parking lots and notice the tires that people are choosing, and I take pride in seeing our products in the marketplace,” he says.
In the future Kanney predicts there will be continued demand for tires that are lighter and more fuel efficient, yet offer improved levels of performance.
FUN FACT: As a child, Kanney dreamed of being the starting catcher for the Cleveland Indians. He’s still playing ball, but it’s for Team Mickey Thompson in the Findlay Rec Softball League.
