Katie, Warehouse Logistic Manager and Team Officer on ERT

Katie, what has surprised you about your role, and what kind of impact does your work have on others?

I like to believe I have a positive impact on the employees I oversee. My manager when I started became a great confidant and showed me the leader I wanted to become! She surprised me with her family first mentality and always challenged me to do more and be a better employee and leader. This has molded me into the leader I am today, who puts her people first and wants us all to work together to make an efficient and reliable team.

Could you share what drew you to Evonik and how you became a Logistics Supervisor?

I came to Evonik in 2014 seeking just part-time employment while my two children were in school and honestly didn´t have any expectations. I really liked the environment of central stores which is where I started as a contractor before I was hired on. I started full-time in the warehouse in 2016 where I spent my first years learning on A-shift and then accepted the lead operator role, then went for the inventory control specialist. From there I developed to the  inventory control supervisor which became the logistics supervisor. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things. From there in November of 2024, I became the central Stores and
warehouse logistics and inventory manager. Evonik has given me great opportunities and
constantly is helping me to grow.

You are also a member of the Emergency Response Team at your site. Can give us a bit more details?

I have served on the emergency response team (ERT) for nearly eight years now, currently being an officer on the team. This allows me to work on the command staff assisting to make safety and operations decisions in the time of emergency. The team is a great asset to the site and offers all the additional trainings for anyone to pursue the passion of emergency response. It is a great feeling for me know that no matter what the incident is, our responders are trained and will be able to provide myself and Evonik with the best level of support and care.

What would you tell someone who came the same path as you and what to jump on the
supervisor train?

Take the time to learn the area you are leading, to understand your people and environment and most of all to become the leader you would want in front of you. Manufacturing is hard but making medicine is rewarding. It's not just a job; these people are your family and friends that need this life saving medicine.