The Manufacturing Institute has recognized three Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. employees with a Woman in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award for 2017. Recognized with an award were Christine Linder, Stacie Rampe and Kelsey Wensink.
The STEP Ahead Awards program, now in its fifth year, recognizes women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to senior executive leadership. On April 20, winners of the STEP Ahead Award will be recognized at a reception in Washington, D.C.
“It’s gratifying to see that three Cooper leaders, out of hundreds of women who were nominated nationwide, earned this important recognition. Christine, Stacie and Kelsey continue to make a positive impact at our company, in the field of manufacturing, and in our communities,” said Brad Hughes, Cooper’s president and CEO. “All three play integral roles at Cooper and serve as outstanding role models to other women and men in their manufacturing careers. On behalf of everyone at Cooper, I congratulate these three leaders and wish them continued success.”
Linder, who serves as manufacturing services manager at Cooper’s tire manufacturing facility in Texarkana, Ark., joined Cooper in 2002 as a co-op student. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Linder served in a variety of engineering roles with the company. Her community volunteerism includes serving as a wish granter for Make-A-Wish and as a board member for the United Way of Greater Texarkana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toledo, and a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University – Texarkana.
Rampe is a corporate benefits and payroll manager based in Findlay, Ohio. She has more than two decades experience in manufacturing. Rampe joined Cooper in 2012 and has held a variety of roles at the company. In the community, she promotes tire and vehicle safety for teens and young adults as a volunteer for Cooper’s Tread Wisely program and serves as a board member for Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County and the Business Affiliates Scholarship program at the University of Findlay. Rampe holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in organizational leadership, both from the University of Findlay.
Kelsey Wensink is regional credit manager based out of Cooper’s HQ in Findlay. She was recognized as a STEP Ahead Award Emerging Leader, a category for women in manufacturing who are under the age of 30, and has been a Cooper employee since 2009. Wensink volunteers as a member of Cooper’s Dream Team, a group of employees who work with youth to enhance the image of careers in manufacturing. Wensink holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a specialization in supply chain management, from Bowling Green State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Findlay.
