Jody Piel
Shift Supervisor
BASF Corporation
This industry has provided me the environment to expand my love of working with my hands while using math, science and deductive thinking to make excellent products. The great extended family is amazing too!
Since beginning her career at BASF in Texas more than 20 years ago, Jody has climbed the ranks within her organization. Shortly after hire, she was promoted to a senior technician position taking on projects that demonstrated her leadership capabilities. As the manufacturing representative for a $10+ million capital project to replace an ammonia oxidation reactor, her technical abilities were essential. She worked closely with the capital project general contractor to ensure the project met all safety, environmental, budget, operability and duration goals. The upgrade of the ammonia oxidation reactors in the hydroxylamine unit has led to increased raw material yields and lower variable costs. Jody also led the kaizen team and has helped implement solutions that have improved technician work environments, improved EHS performance and led to significant fixed and variable cost reductions. Jody has been an active member of the Freeport EMS and Rescue team that has recently incorporated fire fighting for over 20 years. She is an EMT-B, Rescue and fire team lead.
Jody is a mentor leader at BASF and has a passion for engaging the next generation of talent. She is an active recruiter and participates in the Gulf Coast Community College Petrochemical Initiative POWER (pipefitters, operators, welders, electricians, riggers) conference every year. The conference targets high school and community college students, and women interested in changing careers. Jody explains career options, conducts interviews for internships, and most importantly, shares her personal experiences. She is also instrumental in attracting female process-technology students from nearby Brazosport College to join a BASF internship program and determine whether a process-technician role is right for them. And recently, Jody lectured at Central Texas College near Fort Hood. Her speech encouraged several transitioning soldiers to participate in the accelerated process technician training program at Fort Hood and then work as interns at BASF.
Jody represents BASF at many community events including Women in Construction Forums and Diversity and Inclusion Forums. In addition, she looks forward to representing BASF every year at the Brazoria County Fair.