Outstanding Industrial Technologist - 2002

In her present position, Dr. Michelle Coady is responsible for providing leadership and direction for all Technology Group processes related to systems improvement, personnel training, internal audit and compliance activities. The degree to which she effectively executed this responsibility directly contributes to the success of the Group. The Technology Group is the most profitable specialty unit within the St. Paul Companies and is acknowledged in the industry as innovative and responsive to customer needs.

Michelle Coady graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Industrial Education and Technology in 1980. She immediately joined John Deere Harvester as a Facility Engineer responsible for equipment, material and machinery plant layout. She progressed in the ensuing four years to the position of Process and Tool Engineer. Recognizing the need for continued professional improvement she attended St. Ambrose University and the University of Minnesota earning her MBA and Ph.D. in Human Resource Management and Business.

Prior to joining St. Paul Companies, Dr. Coady successfully applied her skills and talent to the varying needs of such industries as insurance underwriting and health maintenance. In these endeavors she demonstrated an outstanding ability to apply continuous quality improvement to increase productivity and improve customer services. The continued proficient application of her industrial technology and resource management skills has contributed significantly to the growth and profitability of the Technology Group of St. Paul Companies.