The National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Institute has honored longtime Whirlpool
Corporation employee Melissa Greenlee as a recipient of its 2019 STEP Ahead award.
Greenlee, who lives in Bowling Green, is one of a select group of women to receive the annual award,
which celebrates female leaders in the manufacturing industry. Greenlee has enjoyed a 15-year career
with Whirlpool Corporation, and is currently the director of engineering at the company’s plant based in
Findlay.
In April, she will be recognized as one of 100 honorees at a formal ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
“Melissa is the consummate professional who is known for her ability to drive differentiated business
results while being an exceptional developer of people. She is a role model for other women in
manufacturing at Whirlpool Corporation,” said Jim Keppler, vice president, NAR Integrated Supply Chain
and Quality, Whirlpool Corporation.
The STEP – Science, Technology, Engineering and Production – Ahead initiative first began in 2012, and is
meant to celebrate outstanding leadership, inspire the next generation and document best practices to
empower female talent in manufacturing.
“One of Melissa’s greatest strengths is her ability to lead people and, in doing so, help push Whirlpool
Corporation forward,” said Byron Green, vice president, NAR Manufacturing, Whirlpool Corporation. “She
has guided employees at the Findlay plant to successfully implement technology and processes that are
now considered best practices company-wide. Her leadership allows us to continue to push the boundaries
in the fast-changing manufacturing industry.”
Greenlee has made it her mission to promote activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering
and math at local schools, inspiring young women to consider a technical career path. Most recently,
Greenlee served as a panelist for the “Clyde Get WISE” event in May. The inaugural event encouraged all
student attendees to pursue educational studies and careers in areas relating to science, technology,
engineering and mathematics.