Samantha Bernotus, who leads People & Culture for RHI Magnesita's North American operations, has been named the 2026 Outstanding Woman Leader in Manufacturing by the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA). The award was presented recently at IMA's Manufacturing Day Celebration in Indianapolis, where the association marked its 125th anniversary.
The award recognizes a woman who has made exceptional contributions to Indiana’s manufacturing sector, demonstrated leadership within her profession, and supported the development of women entering the field. Bernotus has spent more than 20 years in industrial manufacturing, building her career in human resources with a focus on labor relations, organizational leadership, and workforce development. She began her career as an HR Generalist and advanced through progressively senior roles across the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master of Business Administration from Purdue University, and she recently earned her Juris Doctor from Purdue Global Law School.
At RHI Magnesita, she leads the region’s largest employee group, focusing on safety, employee support, and delivering consistent quality for customers. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Lake County, volunteers as the PTO Treasurer at her children’s middle school and acts as the Fundraising Director for her daughter’s cheerleading organization.
“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the IMA, and proud to contribute to Indiana’s manufacturing community,” Bernotus said. “It is important to me that women continue to push forward. I am proof that someone from humble beginnings can keep advancing, even when faced with the word ‘no,’ and still reach the next goal.”
