LANCASTER, Pa. (March 9, 2026) — Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI), an Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications, including ceilings, specialty walls and exterior metal solutions, is proud to announce that Alexandra Waltemyer, Director of Energy Saving Ceilings, has been named as a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Honoree by the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education arm of the National Association of Manufacturers.
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.
“Alex embodies manufacturing excellence not only through innovation and operational achievements, but also through the way she leads—with compassion, collaboration and integrity,” said Mark Hershey, Chief Operating Officer at Armstrong. “She demonstrates that empathy and consideration are powerful strengths in driving performance, building strong teams and shaping a positive culture. Her influence extends beyond business results to the lasting growth and success of the people around her, making her a role model within the company, the manufacturing industry and her community.”
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,” said Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead. “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.”
In her decade-long tenure at Armstrong, Waltemyer’s leadership has catalyzed the creation of new jobs, innovative products that meet evolving customer needs and notable growth for the company.
Most recently, as the Director of the Energy Saving Ceilings business line, Waltemyer has already created more than 20 new jobs, with the potential for 50 more. Beyond the economic impact, the innovative phase change material technology in Templok️® Energy Saving Ceilings can help to reduce a building's energy consumption and operational carbon emissions, demonstrating a powerful balance between business growth and sustainable stewardship.
Outside of the workplace, Waltemyer extends her leadership to the broader community through youth development, education and advocacy for underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Making STEM pathways more accessible and encouraging girls to explore science and technology are core values for Waltemyer.
Waltemyer will be honored at the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Gala on April 23 in Washington, D.C. Formerly called the Women MAKE Awards, Armstrong’s Aubrey VanHorn, Assistant Plant Manager at the company’s Macon location, is a previous winner.
