• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Research
    • Markets & Technologies
    • Raw Materials
    • Top Companies
    • Directories
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Research
  • Markets & Technologies
  • Raw Materials
  • Top Companies
  • Directories
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Business Corner
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    World Reports
    eBook
    Top Features
    Mixing Equipment Directory

    The Wood Coatings Market

    Antimicrobial Coatings Market

    Additives Update

    Pigment Supplier Directory
    Breaking News
    Online Exclusives
    Distributor News
    Financial News
    Paint & Coatings Manufacturer News
    People In the News
    Price Increases
    Product News
    Video Bites
    Raw Materials & Equipment
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager

    Terra Firma, Wanhua Announce New Distribution Partnership

    Gelest CEO Elected to National Academy of Engineering

    PPG Appoints Tony Wu as VP, Automotive Refinish, Asia

    PPG Appoints John Bruno as VP, Investor Relations
    Top Companies report
    Market Research
    White Papers / Tech Papers
    Technical Papers
    Product Spec Sheets
    World Reports
    Adhesives and Sealants
    Aerospace Coatings
    Architectural Coatings
    Automotive Coatings
    Automotive Refinish
    Business Operation
    Color Trends & Forecast
    Construction Chemicals
    Corrosion Control
    Industrial Coatings
    Laboratory Equipment
    Marine Coatings
    Market Trends & Forecast
    Powder Coatings
    Production Equipment
    Radcure Coatings
    Special Purpose Coatings
    Wood Coatings
    "Green" Coatings

    Nippon Paint Marine Wins Korea Export Award

    ECOS Paints Launches Lisa Tharp Colors

    BYK-Gardner Launches VMA-Getzmann TORUSMILL

    Sensory Analytics Announces Issuance of Broad New Patent Covering Coating Thickness Measurement

    Union Process Develops Attritor for Inks, Coatings Supplier
    Additives
    Binders
    Pigments
    Solvents

    OQ Chemicals Increases Carboxylic Acids, Esters Prices

    Arkema Reports Full-year 2020 Results

    New Increase in Kynar Fluoropolymer Capacities at Arkema's Chinese Site

    Emerald Kalama Chemical Acquired by LANXESS

    Raw Material Suppliers, Distributors Part of Recent M&A Activity
    Buyers Guide
    Company Capabilities
    Distributor Guide
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Active Minerals

    Pilot Chemical Company

    Keim Additec Surface USA LLC

    Eagle Specialty Products

    Siltech Corporation
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Top Events
    Surface Finishing Mexico 2021

    Cleveland Coatings Society Zoom Meeting

    Cleveland Coatings Society Zoom Meeting

    PCI Powder Coating Week

    Southern Society for Coatings Technology Annual Meeting and Technical Conference
    Companies
    White Papers/Tech Papers
    Product Spec Sheets
    Equipment
    Literature/Brochures
    Videos
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Pilot Chemical Company

    Eagle Specialty Products

    Active Minerals

    Clariant Additives

    Shepherd Color Company, The
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Business Corner
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Directories
      • Buyers Guide
      • Distributor Guide
      • Corporate Capabilities
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Markets & Technologies
      • Adhesives and Sealants
      • Aerospace Coatings
      • Architectural Coatings
      • Automotive Coatings
      • Automotive Refinish
      • Business Operation
      • Color Trends & Forecast
      • Construction Chemicals
      • Corrosion Control
      • Industrial Coatings
      • Laboratory Equipment
      • Marine Coatings
      • Market Trends & Forecast
      • Powder Coatings
      • Production Equipment
      • Radcure Coatings
      • Special Purpose Coatings
      • Wood Coatings
      • "Green" Coatings
    • Raw Materials
      • Additives
      • Binders
      • Pigments
      • Solvents
    • World Reports
      • Africa Report
      • China Report
      • India/Asia Pacific Report
      • Europe Report
      • Latin America Report
      • Market Research
      • Russian Report
    • Top Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Blog
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Microsites
      • Companies
      • White Papers/Tech Papers
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Equipment
      • Literature/Brochures
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Event
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Painting the Glass Ceiling

    Women in the coatings industry are serving in greater roles than ever before.

    Barb Anwari08.09.05
     

    Women were breaking records and barriers a quarter-century ago in the paint and coatings industry. Ruth Johnson, manager of the coatings and colorimetry lab for Ciba-Geigy; Helene Johnson of Lenmar Lacquers; consultant Ruth Johnston-Feller; Napko Corp.'s Rita Harper, who served as president of the Houston Society for Paint Technology; Helen Skowronska of Sherwin-Williams-all were industry pioneers.

    Today, women continue to serve an increasingly accepting industry in ever greater capacities. How do these women view gender issues and coatings careers? Coatings World asked several to share their stories on how they got their start and how they have been advancing in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

    Barbara Newell
    Penofin Performance Coatings
    Dr. Newell is CEO and chairman of the board of Penofin-Performance Coatings Inc., a Ukiah, CA-based, family-owned organization. Originally in the lumber industry, she moved into coatings through a company merger.

    "Things are getting better for women, that's true, but we still have a long way to go. I do find that, sometimes, in dealing with all levels of buyers and sellers, even today women don't have an equal share. The discrimination is less obvious. The attitudes, however, are still patronizing. The way I perceive that now is: 'Well, that's their problem. I don't make it mine.'

    "My best advice to other women would be 'Do not polarize!' You take control of a situation by taking stock of your own perception and responses. If you're not making strides, look at yourself. Ask yourself: 'How am I feeding into this? What am I not doing?' Take responsibility for the things you control.

    "The people I most admire are teambuilders and individuals who are solution oriented. I have been really strong within my own company on hiring women. At one point, my head of manufacturing was female. My executive vice president is a woman. I want women to believe in themselves. If you lack confidence, look inside yourself and find it. Once you do that and you're ready to talk, give me a call."

     

    "Right away, Mrs. President!"
    CEO Barbara Newell, who speaks from experience, said, "Running a company is not that difficult, but rising to the top of a major corporation-that's difficult. I hope to see both in my lifetime: a woman leading a multinational coatings company and a female President of the U.S. We will see a female CEO of a major paint business just as soon as one really, really wants it enough to work for it. There must be a great deal of preparation."

    That preparation, said Kelly-Moore's Iris Fazackerley, begins at home: "The overriding issues today are quality, customer service, the environment and the bottom line. Trying to pull all these together is not easy. These issues are the same whether you are man or woman. Given our track record in the industry, I would judge that ascension of a female CEO in a major paint company is probably about eight years away. And I further predict that will happen before a woman becomes president."


    Sheryl Southwell
    Specialty Polymers, Inc.
    Ms. Southwell, vice president of Specialty Polymers, Inc. in Woodburn, OR, holds a degree in biochemistry. Before entering the family business, she worked in biochemistry and academia.

    "I started from the bottom up-in the family basement. My father, Ray, started the company in 1969. I remember my mother's chagrin when he literally took the coffee pot, blender and pans for lab equipment. My attitude toward work and my impressions of the industry stem from that upbringing. I feel strongly that accomplishments depend a great deal on individual perception. Those who succeed take responsibility and think of themselves and others in a very positive way.

    "I came on board in 1998. Having a research background in chemistry and biotechnology (I myself worked with robotics systems) develops a problem-solving and analytical approach to challenges, which colors everything you do. It's part of my management philosophy to give our people the chance to move along without someone micro-managing.

    "Let me emphasize to women that they can do whatever they want. I would say to anyone who wants to succeed in this industry, put the time and energy into whatever you do. It takes effort. Nothing happens on its own. But if you keep pushing, keep learning, and persevere, you will succeed."


    Iris Fazackerley
    Kelly-Moore Paint Co.
    A long-time Kelly-Moore Paint Co. employee, Ms. Fazackerley moved up through the ranks to the pivotal position of purchasing manager at the San Carlos, CA corporate complex.


    "I got involved in the paint and coatings industry by accident, taking a job as a secretary to the president of a small paint company. In 1978, I came to Kelly-Moore, again as an executive secretary, working for the vice president of manufacturing. Negotiating contracts was a large part of his world and, little by little, I began to take charge of the smaller accounts, watching the pennies and building relationships.

    "Today women are viewed more and more as equals in this industry, especially in the lab, although I would not call it even. Not yet. Giants of the industry, such as Rohm & Haas and Dupont, have had women in positions of importance for many years. They continue this practice, which is good for all of us.

    "In 1996, we had a woman vice president here. She started in accounts receivable in 1964 and retired in 1998. It took 32 years, most of them were years when women just were not recognized, but she made it. I think it was very significant for women here at Kelly-Moore, and it also showed that Kelly-Moore is a leader in this field. We now have many women working as managers, chemists, secretaries. They all contribute to the success of the company and the company is a major factor in their success."


    Gail Pollano
    Neoresins
    Ms. Pollano of Neoresins (a business unit of Avecia) is long-time leader within FSCT, the Coatings Industry Education Foundation, the Technical Advisory Committee and the New England Society. Her many achievements include the George Baugh Heckel Award. Ms. Pollano is scheduled to become FSCT president this month at ICE 2001.

    "I got involved in this industry quite by accident. When I graduated from college, I applied in the late 1970s to Polyvinyl Chemical Industries both because it was a chemical/lab company and close to home. I have been here, through many name changes, since then. I can honestly say that I loved every minute.

    "Women, as well as men, in manufacturing need more training in the functions of the other departments within an organization. Everyone should know how their job impacts other people both internally and their external customers. Everyone must understand that no matter what job they hold in an organization, from receptionist to CEO, they can make a difference and impact the future of their organization. In my company, our Senior VP and Senior Finance persons are both women.

    "John Fitzwater, former general manager of BFGoodrich, was my role model and mentor. Today I see women like Dr. Rose Ryntz and others being mentioned. I believe in mentoring and still feel this is a good way to integrate new people into our industry. I do not think that competent women are viewed any different than competent men in our industry.

    "The old boy's club did exist when I started, with its 'long martini lunches' and such, but those are a thing of the past for most. Bottom line is this: regardless of what sex you are, you need to strive to be good at what you do and you will be respected for your knowledge. Women may lag behind still, but it is far less than when I started, and it is only slightly. Being employed in the P&C industry is a noble profession. We need to highlight this. Women can play a critical role in its future."


    Melinda Forbes
    Kronos, Inc.
    Ms. Forbes became the first female president of the Los Angeles Society for Coatings Technology in 1988, where she truly opened doors. Currently she's an LASCT member, and a member of several other professional groups, including the Society For Plastics Engineers.

    "I graduated from San Diego State University in 1974 with a B.A. in Social Sciences, received my elementary teaching credential, and taught until 1980. Then I decided sales would be a good transition. You are on your own to sink or swim, similar to a classroom situation.

    "Albert G. Silverton of Allo Colouring Company was willing to train, and I worked for that company for nine years, selling liquid in-plant dispersions to the paint and asphalt emulsion industry. In 1990 I joined Rheox, Inc., where I worked for eight years, until it was sold to Elementis. I worked there for two years, then joined Kronos, Inc. in 2000. I am currently a senior account manager at Kronos selling in the western U.S., and my ultimate goal is to become western regional manager.

    "Anne Probizanski was a wonderful role model at E.T. Horn Company. She was one of only a handful of women in the industry years ago. Geneva Wells and Lita Olquin were also great models who worked their way up from the bottom. Geneva was at H.M. Royal and Lita Olquin headed up The John K. Bice Company. There are a lot of wonderful women in the industry now. I think the older generation of men in the industry still have difficulty with women but, for the most part, men are very, very accepting of us. I think women still need to constantly prove themselves, to men and to each other."


    Rose Ryntz
    Visteon Corporation
    Dr. Ryntz is a recognized expert in the automotive industry in the area of coatings for plastics and adhesion. Among her many accomplishments, she holds 16 patents, lectures extensively and works in numerous professional organizations.

    "I got involved in paint and coatings in my graduate days, when Dr. Panos Kordomenos, now of DuPont, introduced me to automotive coatings. My role model is Lynne Galligan, whom I met at Dow Corning. She is now the chief technical officer at Avery Dennison in California. Lynne demonstrated that women with scientific backgrounds-she has a Masters degree in analytical chemistry-could also demonstrate business savvy in leading a company toward technological excellence. She taught me to know when you have to do your best and to also know when enough is enough. She told me that in talking to varied audiences answer the questions they ask and only cover as much as they are mentally ready to follow. When you meet people of similar drive and talent, try to network in the ability to resolve issues with their help.

    "I have always looked at this industry as "male-dominated" not due to lack of talent from the female perspective, but due to a shortage of women in science. There are already several women CEOs, CFOs and CTOs in related industries, so why not ours? We are getting there though, and we must continue to encourage the younger women-and men-in this industry to set goals and aspirations consistent with their talent and their personal gratification. Getting to the top takes a lot of hard work, but it takes a lot more work to stay there.

    "Women should not look at themselves as the underdogs, because we aren't. We are multi-faceted, capable of keeping many balls in the air at the same time. The question becomes, do you have the capability to keep those balls in the air while running in the direction you think they should go and bringing along the rest of the crowd to watch you? That defines a leader: the ability to create a vision, share the vision and get the team to make the vision reality. Quickness to react, fortitude to sustain and willingness to be flexible are key aspects of our development process that will allow us to be the leaders of the future."



    Sabine Schroeder
    Ormecon Chemie GmbH
    Ms. Schroeder is a product manager for German firm Ormecon Chemie GmbH & Co., a subsidiary of privately owned holding company Zipperling Kessler.

    "Ormecon performs basic and applied research. I have a chemical background and began by working in basic R&D on conductive polymers, developing new coatings based on our metal organic additive. With our successful development work and my own efforts, I just moved up the ladder step by step. I encourage other young women to be equally ambitious. I do not believe in luck. I think it is all a matter of being courageous enough to take an offered opportunity and to work hard to reach a certain goal.

    Women are becoming more and more accepted in the coatings industry. Still, I do see only a few in leading positions, especially in technical areas. Innovation is the great challenge of the future and, at the same time, a chance for women to make a difference. From what I see, European women are encouraged to enter technical fields, but are very often held back. Changing this basic structure is an evolutionary process that takes time."

    Related Searches
    • dispersions
    • polymers
    • dow corning
    • merger
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Business Operation
    • Automotive Coatings

    Related Features

    • Automotive Coatings | Industrial Coatings | Pigments | Powder Coatings | Price Increases
      Metallic Pigments

      Metallic Pigments

      Diversified trends in automotive colors and increased consumer competition are driving this market forward.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 06.08.16

    • Architectural Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Automotive Refinish | Industrial Coatings | Powder Coatings
      Latin America Paint And Coatings Update 2016

      Latin America Paint And Coatings Update 2016

      Regional demand is likely to exceed GDP in the region.
      Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 06.08.16

    • Additives | Automotive Coatings | Pigments | Powder Coatings
      Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Demand is being driven by both economic and environmental factors.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 03.18.16


    • Automotive Coatings | Automotive Refinish | Industrial Coatings | Marine Coatings
      CEO Forum

      CEO Forum

      ...
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.18.16

    • Automotive Coatings | Pigments | Powder Coatings
      Pigment Supplier Directory

      Pigment Supplier Directory

      Here is a look at the latest offerings from select pigment suppliers.
      10.19.15

    • Automotive Coatings | Automotive Refinish | Binders | Pigments
      Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Automotive and truck production is increasing, which is driving coatings use and growth rates.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 03.25.15


    • Aerospace Coatings | Architectural Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Pigments
      CoatingsTech Conference

      CoatingsTech Conference

      This biennial event’s theme was Focus: Innovation! Infrastructure! Efficiency!
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.25.15

    • Architectural Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Wood Coatings
      Coatings World and Ringier Events Host 13th Annual China Coatings Summit

      Coatings World and Ringier Events Host 13th Annual China Coatings Summit

      This annual event jointly organized by Coatings World and Ringier will be held May 14-15 in Shanghai.
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.25.15

    • Automotive Coatings
      PPG Reports on the OEM Auto Market

      PPG Reports on the OEM Auto Market

      Coatings World recently had the opportunity to interview Jean-Marie Greindl, Vice President, Automotive OEM Coatings, EMEA, and President, PPG EMEA.
      11.07.14


    • Automotive Coatings | Powder Coatings | Wood Coatings
      China Coatings Industry Speeds Up Adjustment

      China Coatings Industry Speeds Up Adjustment

      An impending tax on solvent-based coatings will help water-based coatings expand market share in China.
      Arnold Wang, China Correspondent 10.20.14

    • Aerospace Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Binders | Construction Chemicals | Marine Coatings | Powder Coatings
      Polyester Coatings Market to Benefit From Africa’s Construction Boom and Economic Growth

      Polyester Coatings Market to Benefit From Africa’s Construction Boom and Economic Growth

      ...
      Shem Oirere, Africa Correspondent 09.23.14

    • Automotive Coatings | Marine Coatings | Pigments
      Current and Future Trends Within the Asia Pacific Coatings Market

      Current and Future Trends Within the Asia Pacific Coatings Market

      This report takes a look at the diverse Asia Pacific coatings market.
      Dan Watson, Managing Director, Blairgowrie Associates LLC 08.07.14


    • Automotive Coatings
      The Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      The Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Globally auto builds are increasing, which bodes well for automotive OEM coatings manufacturers.
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.24.14

    • Additives | Architectural Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Industrial Coatings | Pigments | Powder Coatings | Solvents
      The 41st Annual Waterborne Symposium

      The 41st Annual Waterborne Symposium

      This year’s event featured a panel discussion on automotive coatings.
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.24.14

    • Additives | Architectural Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Industrial Coatings | Pigments | Wood Coatings
      Additives Market Report

      Additives Market Report

      Additives suppliers are cautiously optimistic for 2014.
      Bridget Klebuar, Associate Editor 01.14.14

    Trending
    • Hempel Announces Global Price Increase
    • Hempel Hires Global Head Of Renewable Energy
    • Raw Material Price Increases Pile Pressure On Paint Manufacturers
    • Hempel Launches Sustainability Framework: Futureproof
    • AkzoNobel Kicks Off Paint The Future Startup Challenge In China
    Breaking News
    • Hempel Reports 2020 Annual Results
    • AkzoNobel Completes Titan Paints Acquisition
    • Terra Firma, Wanhua Announce New Distribution Partnership
    • Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager
    • Gelest CEO Elected to National Academy of Engineering
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    February 2021

    • Mixing Equipment Directory
    • The Wood Coatings Market
    • Antimicrobial Coatings Market
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands
    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study
    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Hempel Reports 2020 Annual Results
    AkzoNobel Completes Titan Paints Acquisition
    Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    ffffffffffffffffHologic Buys Molecular Dx Firm Diagenode for $159M
    Solid Growth Forecast for Japan's MI Neurosurgical Devices Market
    Soundbite Medical Wins Health Canada Approval for PAD Treatment
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Romaco Names Sales Directors in Cologne, Bologna and Karlsruhe
    Impel NeuroPharma Expands Commercial Team
    J&J’s Single-Dose COVID-19 Vax Issued EUA
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Inter Parfums Reports a Strong Fourth Quarter
    Universal Engraving Announces New President
    Raw Sugar Living Expands to Target with New Collection
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Inter Parfums Bounces Back in Q4
    ACI and CBC Launch Webpage About ‘Quats’
    L’Occitane Launches Hand Cream Inspired by Women
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Access Direct Mail Doubles Revenue with SCREEN's Truepress Jet520HD
    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    CP Printing adds Colordyne 3800 Series AP – Retrofit
    Edale names SMAG Graphique distributor in France
    TLMI analyzes pandemic's effect on label industry in new report
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    U.S. Nonwovens Rebrands as Radienz Living
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Texas Medical Technology Partners with My Protect Kit
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Align Technology Inc. Executive Joins Zimmer Biomet Board
    Pandemic Pain: NuVasive's 2020 Sales Fall 10 Percent
    Fusion Robotics Receives FDA Clearance for Spinal Navigation and Robotics System
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login