People are the Chemistry

Environmental NEWS - Spring 2009

At Lancaster Laboratories, we believe that our people provide our strength. Their dedication to quality, professional competence and hard work is the key element in the company’s success. In this regular feature, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped make Lancaster Labs an industry leader.

On February 6, data packages director Michele Turner tragically made international headlines when she was lost at sea for seven hours during a diving trip on the Great Barrier Reef. Michele was swept away from her dive boat by surreal currents while under water, discovering the dire circumstances upon surfacing. As one of Lancaster Labs’ senior leaders for 22 years, Michele has led her teams by example of hard work, determination, strategic goal planning, and an art for analytical problem-solving. These traits probably helped save her life along with her pink fins, which she innovatively used to flag down a rescue helicopter. And Michele notes she remained pretty cool throughout the ordeal, which is primarily how she approaches her daily challenges at Lancaster Labs.

michele

What is the scope of your department?
I am lucky to have teams that cover much of a sample’s life here at the lab. At the front end, I have the Sample Support Department where samples are stored and a variety of other front-end tasks occur. Metals and our two Inorganic Water Quality teams analyze samples by the required methods. And after all the results are reported, our Data Deliverables Team generates the electronic data deliverable or data package to meet client specifications.

How would you characterize your leadership style?
I collaborate in a positive manner to achieve results and win-win outcomes while providing support and encouragement as well as remaining calm under pressure. Then I basically try to get out the way so everyone can get their work done! I’m here if they need me and am willing to pitch in to help however I can.

You’ve been here for 22 years and seen countless changes. Is there anything that hasn’t changed during your tenure?
The commitment to quality and ethics at all levels in the organization. They were founding principles and continue to be strong. I am proud that maintaining quality is always at the forefront of our process improvement efforts.

And when you’re not working?
I live in Lititz, PA, with my husband, Harry, and have two adult step-children. And recently, our first grandchild, Josiah Douglas, was born! He’s a cutie. I’m a very happy step-grandma! And we love to travel and take turns picking vacations. On land, I’d have to say Egypt is the most memorable so far. I love to scuba dive and usually get to go on a trip each year with friends. Also, I have been actively involved with the Wheatland-Conestoga Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association for several years.