Fran Wisniewski of Koppers Honored with 2025 Women MAKE Award for Leadership in Manufacturing

Celebrating Fran Wisniewski's Achievement

Koppers Holdings Inc., a renowned global provider of essential treated wood products, proudly announced that Fran Wisniewski, their recently retired Vice President of Long-Range Planning, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Women MAKE Award by The Manufacturing Institute. This accolade celebrates women across the manufacturing industry who exhibit remarkable leadership and excellence in their careers, with Wisniewski joining over 100 other remarkable women recognized in this category this year.

Career Journey at Koppers

Wisniewski's journey with Koppers began in 1980, where she steadily climbed the corporate ladder, demonstrating her exceptional capabilities and leadership skills. Her various roles included Vice President of the Utility and Construction division and Global Director of Business Development and Analysis, before she took on the significant position of Vice President of Long-Range Planning. In this capacity, she not only crafted strategic plans for Koppers' expansion but also played a pivotal role in completing two major acquisitions that solidified Koppers' reputation as a leader in wood preservation.

As a founding member of Koppers' employee resource group, LINKwomen, Wisniewski made substantial contributions towards fostering women's development within the company. She was instrumental in developing a scholarship program for female relatives of Koppers employees and has been a mentor to numerous young female professionals, helping to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.

Recognition and Impact

Leroy Ball, the CEO of Koppers, applauded Wisniewski's remarkable career, highlighting her instrumental role in advancing both business strategy and workplace culture throughout her 45 years at Koppers. He stated, “Fran was an exemplary team member during her incredible 45-year career at Koppers. She was instrumental in advancing both business strategy and culture while being a trusted source of knowledge and support for fellow colleagues.” Koppers extends its sincere congratulations to Wisniewski, emphasizing that she embodies the spirit of the Women MAKE Award.

The Women MAKE Awards honor women in science, technology, engineering, and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national recognition not only acknowledges the remarkable talents within the manufacturing field but also encourages award recipients to mentor aspiring female professionals in the sector, thereby ensuring a vibrant future for women in manufacturing.

About Koppers

Koppers (NYSE: KOP) stands as a key player in the global market, offering treated wood products, wood preservation technologies, and carbon compounds. The company, employing around 2,200 individuals, strives to create and sustain critical components of the infrastructure, including railroad crossties, utility poles, and various construction materials. Koppers is at the forefront of innovation, continually adapting to meet modern demands and providing sustainable solutions critical for rail transportation and energy supply.

For more information about Koppers and to learn about their initiatives, visit Koppers.com. For media inquiries, contact Jessica Black at 412-227-2025 or via email at jblack@koppers.com.