Jana Gessner

Jana M. Gessner, Senior Vice President – Environmental, Health, and Safety for PepsiCo, is a globally seasoned EHS executive with an extensive Supply Chain / Manufacturing background with Fortune 500 companies. Her 25+ year career includes positions in: Automotive, Food and Bev, Fleet/Logistics, Industrial Material/Chemical Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.

Jana’s subject matter expertise is development and deployment of global EHS management systems, strategic EHS process, cultural transformation, compliance assurance, and creating a zero-incident culture.

Jana holds a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering (Environmental) from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo (English/Technical Writing), the Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) credentials.

Her lifetime achievement awards include: Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Education Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the University of Toledo Alumni Association and the Manufacturing Institute’s Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award, which recognizes women in science, technology, engineering, and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companies.

Supporting non-profit organizations from a philanthropic perspective is a passion of Jana’s. She currently serves as the Past Chairman and Board member of Women in Manufacturing (Cleveland, OH), Vice Chair and Executive Board member of the University of Toledo Alumni Association (Toledo, OH), Vice Chair and Executive Board of Toledo Public Schools Foundation (Toledo, OH), and ESOH Advisory and Executive Board for the University of Findlay (Findlay, OH).

In her spare time, Jana enjoys boating, hiking, horseback riding, photography, singing, traveling, attending college football games, and seeing theater productions and Broadway musicals.