September 29,  2020

Smithfield Foods operations manager recognised at STEP Ahead Awards

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has announced that the company's operations development manager of its Wichita, Kansas, US facility, Megan Supan, has been named an emerging leader as part of The Manufacturing Institute's annual STEP Ahead Awards.

The awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry.

"I am thrilled to be recognised as an emerging leader among so many talented women in the industry and am thankful for the opportunity to continue to innovate as part of the Smithfield Foods family," said Supan. "I look forward to working with other STEP honorees to continue empowering future generations of female manufacturing leaders, including those within our company."

The Manufacturing Institute, the non-profit arm of the National Association of Manufacturers, launched the awards programme in 2012 as part of its efforts to promote the role of women in manufacturing through its STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead initiative.

According to the institute, women account for about half of the US labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. Manufacturers can close the skills gap by 50% simply through bringing 10% more women into the industry. To reach this goal, STEP Ahead engages industry leaders to advocate for the manufacturing industry, mentor young women interested in the field, promote personal development and collaborate with one another to share ideas and best practices.

The Manufacturing Institute selected Supan, in part, due to her ability to engage all aspects of business and facilitate effective, innovative projects that propel operations forward. She has worked at various Smithfield locations and continues to be a valuable team player in several company-led community functions.

In her role at Smithfield, Supan leads by example to help individuals understand project processes in multiple areas from operations to business and all supporting roles.

"We are excited to honor Megan and her significant contributions to her team and our company. She is a role model for other young professionals at Smithfield and our industry at-large, embodying our core guiding principles of "Responsibility, Operational Excellence and Innovation" in her everyday work," said Keira Lombardo, executive vice president of corporate affairs and compliance for Smithfield Foods and former chair of STEP Ahead Awards.

"The Manufacturing Institute's STEP Ahead initiative is an incredible programme that recognises the achievements of women in manufacturing who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their companies and communities, and I look forward to its continued success in bringing more diversity to the field."

The Manufacturing Institute recognised Supan and other honorees at a virtual 2020 STEP Ahead Awards ceremony on September 24.

- Smithfield