The Manufacturing Institute is the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. Christy Bollinger is one of 145 leaders across the country recognized for their leadership and contributions to the manufacturing industry.
“Christy’s recognition as a STEP Ahead Award honoree is a fantastic and well-deserved reflection of the leadership she brings to Hydro every day. She has set an exceptional standard at her plant by prioritizing safety, driving performance, and empowering her team to succeed. We are incredibly proud of Christy and the impact she continues to make across our organization,” says Jeff Lehman, President, Hydro Extrusion North America.
As Hydro Extrusion North America’s first female extrusion plant manager, Bollinger has driven significant operational improvements since stepping into the role in 2023. Under her leadership, the North Liberty facility has reduced safety incidents, quality claims, and press downtime while strengthening team performance through accountability, open communication, and strong partnerships.
Beyond Hydro, Christy Bollinger is deeply committed to strengthening the community. She launched a partnership between Hydro and the City of Elkhart to support local revitalization, organized employee volunteer efforts, and raised funds for organizations supporting victims of abuse. Today, she volunteers at a women’s shelter helping women build resumes and interview skills, serves meals at a local food pantry, and supports individuals recovering from addiction by connecting them with resources, employment opportunities, and encouragement as they rebuild their lives.
Bollinger will be honored at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026.
The STEP Ahead Awards shine a spotlight on the people powering manufacturing success, those whose leadership, expertise, and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities. As manufacturers work to attract, retain and advance talent in a rapidly evolving industry, programs like STEP Ahead play a critical role in elevating role models and demonstrating what leadership in manufacturing looks like today.
“Manufacturing’s future depends on leaders who develop talent, strengthen teams and drive results by building strong workplace cultures. The STEP Ahead Awards recognize and celebrate those making that impact every day in their workplaces and communities, and whose leadership helps the next generation see a place for themselves in manufacturing,” says Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead.
These prestigious annual awards recognize employees who have excelled in their careers and showcase leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.
About Hydro
Hydro is a leading aluminum and renewable energy company that builds businesses and partnerships for a more sustainable future.
For more information, please visit: hydro.com
About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute (MI) works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce for today and tomorrow to create a workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
This is done through implementing groundbreaking initiatives, convening industry leaders, conducting innovative research and promoting public policy that supports the sector as it meets the opportunity of modern manufacturing. Through this work, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry.
For more information, please visit: themanufacturinginstitute.org
Published: March 16, 2026
