Stephanie Boerboom's first plastics position fell into her lap as she was looking for employment after graduating from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in facilities management.
"A contact, who happened to be in the plastics industry, asked if I would be interested in the job [in customer service management]. Prior to that day, I'd never thought about how plastic films were made. Once I saw the blown film bubble during the interview tour, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be part of this world," she said.
As corporate supply chain manager for Charter Next Generation Inc., Boerboom is responsible for contract negotiations, raw material inventory management and employee development within the supply/procurement groups. She also supports internal and customer-facing process development for purchasing of direct goods.
"I've been fortunate to help lead the integration of procurement/supply/logistics departments following multiple acquisitions by CNG in order to maximize synergies and savings," she said,
Boerboom was a key player on the team that worked to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from CNG's portfolio. "I also feel a sense of achievement when I see individuals that I've mentored go on to become leaders or subject matter experts in their fields," she said of her career accomplishments.
Her current challenge includes navigating the procurement of recycled polymers — "post-consumer recycled, post-industrial recycled, advanced recycled, etc." — and preparing for the future. "CNG is committed to being a leading-edge supplier of sustainable films, but not all facets of the supply chain are prepared to support emerging requirements," she said.
Boerboom became a member of the Women in Manufacturing Association this year.
"My greatest mentor was a plant manager I worked with early in my career at Atlantis Plastics. The industry had few female leaders at the time, and his support gave me confidence that I could succeed," she said. "Years later, our paths crossed again when I took a position at Charter Films. We worked together at the company (now CNG) until he retired. He led with the kind of fairness and grace that I aspire to achieve."
Boerboom said the best advice she has received is that strong leaders are curious and challenge the status quo.
"Doing something because it's 'the way we've always done it' can lead to stagnation in the fast-changing world of plastics," she said. "Continuous improvement and innovation are essential for growth."