As general manager of the toner products division for Toshiba America Business Solutions, Teresa Sternhagen is responsible for developing and executing strategic and tactical initiatives to assure optimal operational efficiency at the company’s Mitchell, South Dakota manufacturing facility. She accomplishes this overarching objective by implementing, leading and ensuring world-class manufacturing, engineering and supply chain processes across the business.

Sternhagen furthermore applies industry best practices to maximize toner quality ensuring the facility complies with local, state and national regulatory mandates. These mandates include maintaining the facilities’ current ISO Certifications (ISO 9001:2015 Quality, 14001:2015 Environmental and 45001:2019 Health and Safety) which affirm the highest levels of quality, environmental and occupational health and safety standards.

The 25-year manufacturing professional plays a primary role in Toshiba’s ongoing commitment to a more sustainable earth through green manufacturing processes, toner and product recycling efforts and even re-pollination efforts for the local South Dakota environment.

Since joining Toshiba in 2008, Sternhagen has earned a reputation for leadership by successfully guiding the toner division’s supply chain, inventory control and procurement activities. As assistant general manager and vice president of manufacturing, she was in charge of planning, implementing and supporting programs for the division.

Sternhagen is additionally a member of Toshiba’s Executive Leadership Team, which is tasked with charting the strategic direction of the company. She is also a 15-year board member of the Bon Homme School District 4-2 in Tyndall, South Dakota.

Sternhagen earned a Bachelor of Arts from Dakota Wesleyan University. She moreover holds credentials in CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) while completing coursework for CSCP and CLTD, Certified Supply Chain Professional and Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution, respectively.

Melissa MacDonald

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