WALTHAM, Mass. –Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced that The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, University of Phoenix and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers recently recognized Lisa Witte, VP/GM of its Portable Analytical Instruments business, with a Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Award. Lisa Witte joins 121 other women, representing all levels of manufacturing, honored for their excellence and leadership in manufacturing.

“These 122 women are the faces of exciting careers in manufacturing,” said Jennifer McNelly, president, The Manufacturing Institute. “We chose to honor these women because they each made significant achievements in manufacturing through positive impact on their company and the industry as a whole.”

Lisa Witte is responsible for an innovative portfolio of portable analytical instruments that provide rapid, precise, real-time analysis at the point of need. The portfolio includes portable optical analyzers used by first responders, law enforcement and military personnel to quickly and accurately identify hazardous chemicals, drugs and explosives; handheld Raman and NIR spectrometers used in pharmaceutical production and QA/QC; and elemental analyzers that use XRF technology to identify metal alloys in scrap metal recycling, precious metals analysis, environmental analysis and screening for lead in consumer products.

“The path ahead for women in manufacturing is paved with opportunity, and it’s our responsibility to lead the way for future generations,” said Lisa Witte. “As the world leader in serving science, we’re in a unique position to champion STEP advancement, not just for women but for all aspiring scientists and manufacturing leaders who see awards like this as proof that an exciting future awaits them.”

Lisa Witte has nearly three decades of experience in manufacturing, including senior sales, operations and management positions at companies such as Baxter Healthcare, Promega Corporation and Fisher Scientific. She joined Thermo Fisher in 2009. Lisa graduated from The College of William and Mary with a degree in biology and she continues to actively mentor young women who are pursuing careers in manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences.

The STEP Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, University of Phoenix and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and best practices for attracting, advancing and retaining strong female talent.

On February 5, The Manufacturing Institute and its STEP Ahead initiative partners will recognize the 122 recipients of the STEP Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C. The STEP Awards program will highlight each honoree’s story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of $12 billion, we have approximately 39,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through three premier brands, Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific and Unity™ Lab Services, which offer a unique combination of innovative technologies, convenient purchasing options and a single solution for laboratory operations management. Our products and services help our customers solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Visit www.thermofisher.com.