"I remember when I was given the opportunity to move into a more managerial business role. I remember thinking, 'Do i want to take that leap?'" -- Stephanie Burns '77

Stephanie Burns ’77 never would have guessed that her love of organic chemistry would take her to the top of a multinational chemical giant. Mother Nature’s wonders fascinated Stephanie Burns from childhood: creepy crawlies, colorful blooms and liquids stirred into a fizz.

The budding scientist indulged her curiosity during her undergraduate years at Florida International University. Organic chemistry became her passion. She launched a career at Dow Corning Corporation in 1983, moving from scientific development and women’s health to overseas management and now, executive leadership.

In January, Burns, 49, became the new chief executive officer of Dow Corning, a global leader in silicon-based technology with 25,000 customers worldwide and sales last year of $2.83 billion. The FIU alumna was also recently named the Michigan Woman Executive of the Year. From her Midland, Mich. headquarters, Burns said it has been an exciting journey from the laboratory to the boardroom.

“When I think back to what I thought I wanted to be at 18 or 20 years old, it was a different course,” Burns said. “I remember when I was given the opportunity to move into a more managerial, business role. I remember thinking, ‘Do I want to make that leap?’ I felt that fundamental science was a pure pursuit. The minute I made the decision, I absolutely loved it. The biggest drive for me was the customers.”

Burns was a pioneer in her FIU days, a woman chemist in a profession dominated by men. Today, as CEO of a major chemical corporation, she is still an exception. And while her days are no longer spent making molecules, she remains a prominent advocate for women in science and for the value of education.

In honor of her accomplishments, Burns has been elected an alumni member of the University’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious honor society. Burns was the keynote speaker at the Phi Beta Kappa spring initiation banquet in April.

“We’re proud of all of our students but we’re especially proud of the ones who achieve the highest level of success in the eyes of society and at a personal level,” said Arthur Herriott, FIU chemistry professor and former dean of Arts and Sciences, who was Burns’ mentor at FIU and nominated her for Phi Beta Kappa.

“She’s been a very active woman in the sciences,” Herriott said. “That’s important. The more role models we can point to, the better it is for the sciences.”

CEO On the Go

Often, the alarm clock goes off at 4:15 a.m. in the Burns home. Heading a company of 8,200 employees in 33 locations worldwide demands far more than the typical 9-to-5 routine.

Only weeks into her new position, Burns’ daily calendar is packed with meetings, community commitments and conference calls with colleagues in Asia that can last until 10 p.m. Two or three days a week, she travels to one of the company’s sites around the U.S., in Europe, Asia, South America or Australia.

With such a demanding career, Burns counts herself fortunate that her husband Gary, also a chemist, is employed at Dow Corning. The couple has one grown daughter and two grandchildren.

“A positive thing has been that there are a lot of dual-career couples,” Burns said. “We have a lot of wonderful time together in terms of work. We’re finding great balance in our lives.”

For three years, Burns was groomed for Dow Corning’s top post. In December 2000, she was named executive vice president and elected to the Board of Directors. In February 2003, she was named president and chief operating officer. The Dow Corning Board of Directors
elected her CEO in December.

“Our Board of Directors’ support for this move is a strong recognition of the confidence they have in her,” said Chairman of the Board Gary Anderson. “As a top executive, Stephanie has demonstrated her ability to deliver the results expected by the board.”

She is taking the helm at a promising time in Dow Corning’s 60-year history. The company, jointly owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning Incorporated, is emerging from Chapter 11 financial restructuring with growing sales and profit. For all of 2003, Dow Corning’s net income was 25 percent higher than 2002, after excluding unusual expenses incurred in 2002. Burns’ vision for the company includes expanding into new geographies like China, India and Russia, as well as advancing Dow Corning’s specialized silicone technology in photonics, alternative energy and biotechnology.

“There are many, many challenges companies today face, especially chemical companies,” Burns said. “I’m excited about it. I like the challenge. We view this as a huge opportunity for us to grow the company.” Dow Corning develops and manufactures products for companies in health care, beauty, cleaning, aviation,

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