The Manufacturing Institute will recognize two women from Goodyear and one from Cooper Tire at the sixth annual Women in Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 10. Lori Miller and Jennie Tinney from Goodyear and Anne Roman, Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs for Cooper Tire will be recognized as STEP Ahead Honorees, along with other women who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their respective industries. The winners of the STEP Ahead Award will be recognized at the awards ceremony where each honoree’s story will be highlighted, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing as well as their roles in the community.

"The STEP Ahead Awards give us an opportunity to formally recognize the achievements of outstanding women in our manufacturing business. We're very proud of Lori and Jennie for being honored by the Manufacturing Institute," said Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear's Americas region. "Since joining Goodyear, both of these associates have demonstrated the ability to lead teams, manage projects, mentor their peers and make a positive impact in the community. We're pleased to have them represent Goodyear at this year's STEP Ahead Awards."

“Anne is a talented manufacturing leader exemplary of the many outstanding women who work at Cooper. She has made significant impacts both within our organization and throughout the community, and it is gratifying to see her earn this recognition for her efforts. On behalf of everyone at Cooper, I would like to congratulate Anne on this achievement,” said Brad Hughes, Cooper’s President & Chief Executive Officer.

Miller, a 20-year Goodyear associate, has been the materials manager for Goodyear's Topeka, Kansas plant since 2015. Her leadership has led to numerous process improvements throughout the plant, including an inventory scanning system she implemented that drastically reduced product delays due to improved material flow.

Tinney served as the materials manager at Goodyear's race tire manufacturing plant in Akron, Ohio for more than four years, where she oversaw the movement of all tire production material throughout the facility. In 2017, Tinney was responsible for a significant improvement in inventory accuracy, resulting in cost savings. Tinney is viewed as a role model to other women at the ICM plant, and is widely recognized as a key contributor to the plant's success.

Roman joined Cooper in 2012 with three decades of experience in a variety of communications leadership roles at large, publicly-held companies. She is responsible for leading global internal and external communications as well as the company’s philanthropy initiatives. Roman currently serves on the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) public relations committee and is a member of the Economic Development Council for Findlay-Hancock County (Ohio).

The STEP Ahead Awards are part of a larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched 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.

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Manufacturing Institute to recognize outstanding women in Tire Industry