Fifty Years of Dedication: Celebrating Kim Lane’s Legacy at KSB GIW

 

Since joining KSB GIW as a computer operator on August 16, 1976, Lane’s career has been one of continual growth, dependable leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the organization. 

During her five decades with the company, she held roles in programming, systems analysis, project management and IT leadership before becoming IT Application and Process Manager. As her career advanced, she helped to guide key technology initiatives while earning the trust of her colleagues across teams and departments. 

KSB GIW has implemented significant technological change over the course of Lane's career. Throughout those changes, Lane’s focus has always been on using technology to best serve the company and its team members.

Dr. Enrico Handrick, Vice President of Finance and IT at KSB GIW, described Lane as “a backbone of KSB GIW for many years.” He added, “She knows the people, the processes, and the history, and she never looks only at the IT task in front of her. She always thinks about what is best for the whole company.”

Lane was a key developer of the AS400 system that supported the company’s daily operations and reporting for many years. She later worked on the company's transition to SAP in 2014, an important milestone in KSB GIW's technological evolution.

Her other major contributions include serving as project manager for the BIG.2G and UKG projects, leading the implementation of SharePoint and Kronos software, and building an IT Applications team that continues to serve the business today.

While Lane's technical expertise has been a valuable asset to KSB GIW, her colleagues say it is her character that has made her career exceptional.

According to Handrick, Lane's years as a developer and project team member before moving into leadership gave her a deep understanding of both the technical work and the people behind it, which informed her team-oriented management style. Her colleagues say she communicates openly, leads by example, advocates for her team, and creates a work environment where team members are encouraged to contribute and grow. 

"Kim is a wonderful person to work with," said Nikki Thompson, IT Applications and Processes, who has worked with Lane for 27 years. "She is supportive, kind, and respectful to everyone. She is also persistent, strong, and has a positive influence on people."

Thompson also described the reliability that has made Lane such an effective leader. "No matter what happens, Kim will be there to help,” she said. “Cyber threats, hurricanes, pandemics, whatever it is, Kim will be in the office making a difference for the company and its employees."

Handrick says Lane's calm demeanor is one of her defining traits. "One of Kim's great strengths is that she stays calm, even when things are difficult,” he explained. “She gives people confidence."

Michelle Sleister, IT Applications and Processes, agreed: “She has an incredible ability to remain calm under pressure, to turn a negative situation into a positive one.”

Sleister remembers a team-building trip to Busch Gardens when several colleagues hesitated to ride the roller coasters. Once they saw Lane get on, others found the courage to follow. Sleister says this lighthearted story illustrates the leadership Lane has provided throughout her career.

Lane's legacy extends beyond the technological projects she helped lead. Colleagues say she has made a lasting impact at KSB GIW through her hard work, integrity, and consideration for those around her. 

“What makes Kim special is not only her knowledge or experience, but the way she combines dedication, loyalty, honesty, humility, and care for others,” Handrick said. “She has helped shape the company over many years, and achieving 50 years of service is an extraordinary milestone. In Kim’s case, it is also a reflection of who she is: committed, trusted, respected, and deeply connected to KSB GIW.” 

Sleister echoed this sentiment, saying, "KSB GIW is a better company because of Kim Lane, and every person lucky enough to have worked alongside her is better for it too."

KSB GIW congratulates Lane on this remarkable achievement and extends its sincere gratitude for her 50 years of service.

Pictured below: Kim and her colleagues pose on the stairwell of the GIW administration building in these photographs from the 1980s.