Life at GE Plastics

Laura Wayne Sherry Antonella Kazunao Kay

Sherry Dick
Mt. Vernon, Indiana
General Manager, High Performance Polymers, Americas Resins

"Being a woman in the industry," says General Manager Sherry Dick, "gets you noticed in a male dominated workforce."

"But," she continues, "visibility can be a double-edged sword. You have to make the most of every opportunity and be at the top of your game at all times."

She's talking in part about the Women's Network, one of many internal, GEP employee-focused forums that provide support and networking. "The Women's Network gives women in GE Plastics an opportunity to interface and gain exposure in a way that they may not otherwise be able to get," explains Sherry. "I also think it gives women an opportunity to interface and feel a sense of camaraderie. That's important."

The success Sherry has had with the WN is a great example of the kind of tremendous visibility this kind of forum can give. "Through the network, I've been able to interface with Jack Welch, the CEO of GE, on several occasions. We've talked about business, the impact of the Women's Network, and GE as a whole." Moments like this lie at the heart of why the forums were created: so that different levels of GEP employees can be brought together in ways that benefit everyone.

Ever the dedicated member, Sherry sets aside time for networking, peer discussions, and mentoring. "It forces me to keep in perspective not only what I do for myself," she says, "but how I can help someone else. A lot of these things happen informally, but the forum keeps it in the forefront."

This kind of dedication is nothing new for her. After graduating from Georgetown College and the University of Cincinnati with degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sherry joined GEP Manufacturing. Several years as a process engineer in Lexan Finishing were followed by management positions in Phenol, Lexan Finishing, Ultem plant and Lexan Chemical Operations. Her talent in the Lexan Business brought promotions to Master Black Belt and her current role as General Manager for the High Performance Products P&L.

After fourteen years with the company, one thing she's sure of is that GE provides a high-energy atmosphere for people that like to take on interesting challenges that grow them as business professionals and help GE deliver the bottom line for our shareholders. ("And I get paid for doing something that I love.")

Outside of work, Sherry loves the Midwest, where she currently lives and works. "Southern Indiana is a lot like the Cincinnati area where I grew up. The people are friendly and engaged in their communities. And it's a great place to raise my kids." There's something else about the area she and her husband love: "NASCAR! We attend three races each year."