September 24, 2023
Lea Ann King
Lea Ann King and Kim Douglass are recipients of Toyota Material Handling’s 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award. The award, given annually by the publication Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and actions set a positive example for women at all levels of the supply chain network.
“Lea Ann and Kim are exceptional leaders who are paving a path for women in the supply chain and material handling industries,” said Bill Finerty, Toyota Material Handling president and CEO, Columbus, Ind. “These women embody Toyota’s founding principle to contribute positively to society and make the world a better place for all while encouraging others to do the same.”
King, Toyota’s vice president of legal and general counsel, is a dynamic leader who inspires others, the company said. King founded the Toyota Women’s Impact Network (T-WIN), the company’s women’s initiative that ensures Toyota has an inclusive culture and attracts diverse talent. She is a champion for women in all roles, and creates mentorship and teaching opportunities for female professionals. King also showcases her commitment to the supply chain industry by serving on the board of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), including her most recent position as chair of the ITA’s lawyer’s committee from 2016-2019. She continues to advocate for women in the legal field, regardless of the industry.
Douglass, as assembly team leader at Toyota, became the first woman last year to medal in the Toyota Material Handling Group’s Global Skill Competition, earning the gold in the 2022 competition for assembly. Since her win, Douglass has committed to advocating for other women within the organization. She also serves as an ambassador for the Toyota Women’s Impact Network.
