Mar 20, 2018

The Manufacturing Institute in the USA is recognizing Shelley Tubaugh, marketing vice president at Grady-White Boats, as one of the marine industry’s honorees for 2017 STEP Ahead Awards at a gala in Washington, D.C., April 20, 2018. The institute is affiliated with the National Association of Manufacturers. This is the second year in a row that a Grady-White executive has been recognized in the STEP Ahead Awards for their role in manufacturing.

The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead initiative began in 2012 to celebrate women in the manufacturing industry who are making a difference through advocacy, mentorship, engagement, promotion, and leadership. The STEP Ahead Awards highlight the achievements of real women in manufacturing on a national stage. STEP Ahead aims to “close the skills and gender gap” and inspire future generations of women to consider careers in manufacturing.

“Women (like Shelley Tubaugh) exemplify the path an exciting career in manufacturing can take,” said Heidi Alderman, 2017 chair of STEP Ahead, and senior vice president of BASF Group’s Intermediates North America division. “STEP Ahead recognizes women nationwide for their significant achievements in the field of manufacturing, and the positive impact on their companies and the industry as a whole.”

Tubaugh began her career at Grady-White 30 years ago, and has held many positions since her first role as the customer service administrator. “Since 1988, when she led development of the first electronic records system and coding for warranty claims analysis, Shelley has been an integral part of the company,” said Kris Carroll, company president and a 2016 STEP honoree. “She has held roles in Territorial Sales, Inside Sales Administration, Purchasing, and Human Resources, as well as participating in cross functional project teams on the factory floor. All of her roles have created opportunities to interact one-to-one with customers, and strive for continuous improvement to achieve our marketing mission of creating systems of communication for all stakeholders that maximize healthy relationships and satisfy market development planning needs.”

In addition, through mentoring others, Tubaugh has demonstrated true leadership and willingness to take on any task and commitment to upholding Grady-White’s core value of paying exceptional attention to detail. Away from the office, Tubaugh makes time for her family, her church, and her community through volunteer activities.

Grady-White Boats was founded in 1959 and builds 28 boat models from 18 to 45 feet at its recently expanded manufacturing plant in Greenville, NC. The company has been under continuous private ownership by NMMA Hall of Fame member Eddie Smith and the Smith family since 1968. Grady-White welcomes visitors to the company’s award-winning factory to see first-hand the process the company uses to create the very best family-and-fishing boats, and to meet the dedicated team that builds them.