Code Blue Corporation has announced that Carol Wheeler, the director of engineering and operations, will be receiving a Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C suite.
“Carol was deservedly nominated for the many years she has devoted to Code Blue as a director, colleague and friend, and for her role in helping the company get to where it is today,” Code Blue CEO David Cook said. “While Carol is far too humble to take credit for her hard work, I am more than happy to see her honored for her extensive contributions.”
A member of the Code Blue team since 1998, Carol Wheeler has experience leading several diverse departments, including engineering, purchasing, materials and operations. With nearly three decades of experience in manufacturing, she has compiled a multifaceted resume that includes previous positions in the automotive and appliance industries.
On April 20, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C. The STEP Ahead Awards program will highlight each honoree’s story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.
“These 130 women are the faces of exciting careers in manufacturing,” said Jennifer McNelly, executive director, The Manufacturing Institute. “We chose to honor these women because they each made significant achievements in manufacturing through positive impact on their company and the industry as a whole.”
The STEP Ahead Awards are part of the 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.
A recent survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that six out of 10 open skilled production positions are unfilled due to the talent shortage. Closing the skills gap means closing the gender gap.
