Wendy Koster, general manager at Missoula, Mont.-based Diversified Plastics, has been awarded the Manufacturing Institute's STEP Ahead award, which highlights women in science, technology, engineering and production careers who have demonstrated mentorship, leadership and engagement in their companies and communities. The Manufacturing Institute is the social impact arm of the National Association of Manufacturers.
The formal presentation ceremony will be held April 11 in Washington.
"Needless to say, we are exceptionally proud of Wendy's accomplishment and for this special recognition of her hard work, dedication and leadership within the Diversified Plastics organization," Diversified President Brad Reid said in a news release. "I'd have to claim to be Wendy's biggest cheerleader and am pleased to do all the boasting for her. If you knew her, you would realize that she is quite humble and self-effacing."
Koster has a Bachelor of Science in both accounting and business administration with a minor in economics from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D. She joined Diversified, an injection molder, thermoformer and fabricator, in May 2008 as the human resources director.
She said her greatest career achievement has been the promotion to general manager. Koster also named the STEP Ahead award recognition as well as being named to the District Export Council of Montana by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
"Wendy has truly been a role model and mentor to me," Jasmine Rusnell, human resources coordinator at Diversified, said in a news release. "She continues to inspire me both professionally and personally."
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