Nicole McGlone-Santistevan, vice president of operations - Industrial Petrochemicals for the BASF Corporation, was recently named a 2016 Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead award honoree by the Manufacturing Institute. This national honor recognizes outstanding women who demonstrate excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry.

The fourth annual STEP Ahead awards honored 100 women in manufacturing from across the country, along with 30 more under the age of 30 who achieved unique accomplishments early in their careers.

McGlone-Santistevan has more than 25 years of experience in chemical manufacturing roles from research to production and manufacturing management. She excelled as the manufacturing representative for the startup of the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate plant in Freeport and later as the Project Leader in Germany. She led the development of two technology patents related to the optimization of the 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate and Butyl Acrylate plants.

“Implementing projects and solving problems is at the core of what motivates me in my career,” said McGlone-Santistevan. “I enjoy the teamwork found in manufacturing as a project progresses from planning and development to construction and startup.”

McGlone-Santistevan serves on the Board of Directors of the Brazosport Chamber of Commerce and is active with the United Way and other local charitable organizations. She supports local programs that inspire girls to pursue their interests in science and technology.

McGlone-Santistevan serves as the executive sponsor for Women in Business for BASF in Freeport. She is known among her colleagues as an open and accessible mentor, eager to share her experiences and career path.