Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Two leaders from LP Building Solutions, a manufacturer of high-performance building products, are receiving national recognition for their contributions to manufacturing operations, safety, and workforce development.
The Manufacturing Institute has announced its annual STEP Ahead Awards, recognizing exceptional women and allies in manufacturing who are making an impact from the shop floor to the C-suite. This year, Shanda Gentry, plant manager at LP’s Roaring River facility in North Carolina, was named a 2026 STEP Ahead Honoree, while Ariel Foss, safety manager at LP’s Houlton, Maine mill, was recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Emerging Leader.
Gentry is LP’s only female plant manager across more than 20 North American manufacturing facilities and has driven operational improvements while championing more inclusive plant design and workplace culture.
Foss has played a key role in strengthening the safety culture at LP’s Houlton facility, helping achieve more than 460 consecutive injury-free days and nearly 400,000 safe work hours, while leading initiatives that encourage frontline employees to take ownership of safety.
Both leaders are strong advocates for the next generation of manufacturing talent, mentoring colleagues and partnering with local schools and workforce programs to introduce students—especially young women—to careers in the skilled trades. The full list of honorees will be celebrated at the STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23.
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Tags: LP Building Solutions, STEP Ahead Awards, sustainability, wood building
