Stephanie McPherson, Plant Engineer at Smithfield Foods’ Cumming, Georgia facility, has been recognized with the 2025 Women MAKE Award by the Manufacturing Institute.
McPherson, a 10-year veteran of Smithfield, currently oversees the development and implementation of all maintenance systems at the Cumming facility. Her role includes managing preventative maintenance, ensuring plant reliability, and driving operational efficiencies. She also leads initiatives focused on continuous improvement and mentoring new talent entering the maintenance and engineering fields.
McPherson joined Smithfield in 2014 as a corporate industrial engineering manager and has served in several key roles across Smithfield plants before transferring to Georgia in July 2024. Her leadership made history, becoming the first woman to hold the plant maintenance and engineering manager position in Smithfield’s 90-year history.
In addition to her operational responsibilities, McPherson is an advocate for encouraging women in manufacturing and STEM careers. She is an active member of Smithfield’s Women’s Connect employee resource group and supports industry organizations focused on maintenance and reliability excellence.
Stephanie McPherson is one of 130 women recognized nationally this year by the Manufacturing Institute for helping shape the future of manufacturing through innovation, leadership, and commitment to excellence. She is the second female Smithfield team member to be honored with the Women MAKE Award in the last two years.
Swine Web congratulates Stephanie McPherson on this well-deserved recognition and applauds her continued leadership and dedication within the food production and manufacturing sectors.
