LOUISVILLE - The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, has recognized Bonnie Jenkins, Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability at GE Appliances, a Haier company, as a 2026 STEP Ahead Award Honoree.
The STEP Ahead Awards recognize women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in manufacturing careers and who serve as role models for the next generation of leaders in the industry.
'Bonnie's leadership has strengthened our safety culture and processes across the business and driven measurable results,' said Bill Good, vice president of manufacturing for GE Appliances. 'She is deeply committed to creating environments where our teams can do their best work safely every day, while also mentoring and developing future leaders across our manufacturing organization. I am grateful to have her talent and expertise on our team.'
Jenkins has spent more than 30 years advancing safety, sustainability and operational excellence across manufacturing environments, supporting thousands of employees nationwide. Throughout her career, Jenkins has championed programs that encourage employees to report safety concerns and continuously improve workplace practices. Her work has helped teams identify potential risks earlier, improve reporting and resolution processes, and reinforce a culture where safety and accountability are shared priorities across the organization. Her leadership on sustainability innovation has improved landfill diversion to 86% and energy efficiency in our plants.
In addition to her operational leadership, Jenkins serves as the Ombudsman Business Champion Compliance Leader, a champion of Women in Operations, and an active mentor and advocate for developing talent in manufacturing.
Jenkins is also committed to strengthening the communities where GE Appliances operates. She has organized volunteer initiatives supporting organizations such as Dress for Success Kentucky, helping women prepare for and secure employment, and has led Habitat for Humanity Women's Build efforts to provide housing for families in need. In addition, she contributes to the development of future environmental health and safety professionals through her service on the University of North Alabama's Industrial Hygiene Advisory Board and the UNA Foundation Board of Directors.
Jenkins will be honored at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026, along with winners from across the country.
The STEP Ahead Awards are part of the Manufacturing Institute's broader STEP Ahead initiative, which promotes the role of women in manufacturing through recognition, research and leadership programs designed to attract, advance and retain talent in the industry.
'Manufacturing's future depends on leaders who develop talent, strengthen teams and build strong workplace cultures,' said Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead. 'The STEP Ahead Awards recognize those making that impact every day in their workplaces and communities.'
These annual awards recognize employees who have excelled in their careers and demonstrate leadership across all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to the C suite.
About GE Appliances
At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make good things, for life. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, we are a leading U.S. manufacturer of home appliances with 15,500 team members nationwide. GE Appliances, found in half of all U.S. homes, is proud to be rated America's 1 Appliance Company1 and trusted by millions of families nationwide. We manufacture and sell products under the Monogram, Cafe, GE Profile, GE, Haier, and Hotpoint brands. Our operations support nearly 90,000 additional American jobs and represent an investment of more than $2 billion since 2016. To learn more about our company, brands and career opportunities, visit www.geappliancesco.com .
Contact:
Sara Anguiano
GE Appliances, a Haier company
Tel: (502) 616-5361
Email: sara.anguiano@geappliances.com
