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A passion for innovation, a talent for recognizing global opportunities, and a vision for combining the scientific and social benefits of chemistry, have led Stephanie A. Burns, Ph.D. from the laboratory to the boardroom at Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan, a global leader in silicon-based technology with 25,000 customers worldwide and 2005 sales of $3.88billion.
Now chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dow Corning, Burns joined the company in 1983 as a researcher working on water-based and high temperature elastomers. Four years later she became product development manager for the Electronics Industry, where she led advances in UV curable coatings and materials for device protection and electronics adhesives. She became director of Women’s Health in 1994.
Burns moved into corporate management when she relocated to Brussels and into the position of Science and Technology director for Europe in 1997. Two years later, she became industry director for Life Sciences in Europe, and later added the same role for the European Electronics Industry. In December 2000, she returned to the United States to become executive vice president of the company, responsible for global operations. At that time, she was also elected to Dow Corning’s Board of Directors and served on the Board’s Audit and Corporate Responsibility committees. In February 2003, Burns was elected president and chief operating officer; in January 2004, chief executive officer, and in January 2006, she was elected chairman.
Burns holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, with an organosilicon specialty, from Iowa State University. She has completed post-doctoral studies at the Universite Montpellier, Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, France.
She is a member of the American Chemical Society and sits on the executive committee of the Society of Chemical Industry. She serves on the Board of Directors for GlaxoSmithKline plc., and of the Michigan Molecular Institute. Burns is also a board member of the American Chemistry Council, and The Conference Board.
Dr. Burns, a staunch advocate for science, math and technology education to ensure the strength and vitality of global society, was recognized with the 2006 Vanguard award, by the Chemical Education Foundation. Burns has also been recognized as Michigan Woman Executive of the Year and has been named to Forbes.com’s list of Most Powerful Women. Under her leadership, Dow Corning has earned honors as 2005 Specialty Chemicals Company of the Year by leading global growth consultancy Frost & Sullivan, and one of Working Mother magazine’s 100 Best Companies of 2005. | 