John Flanigan has over 33 years of experience at 3M Company. During the first 15 years of his career, John supported 3M’s chemical operations, which produces specialty materials for each of 3M’s business units. His roles included Project Engineer in the capital equipment design group, Manufacturing Engineer for specialty polymers and monomers at 3M’s largest chemical plant, Process Development Engineer at a pilot plant facility and Six Sigma Black Belt. He then transitioned to a different 3M business unit as a Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manager for high-performance conductors sold globally to increase electrical grid capacity. For the past seven years, John has returned to his roots in chemical engineering as a Process Technology Manager. In this role, he leads a team of chemical engineers dedicated to developing safe, efficient, and sustainable processes for 3M’s chemical operations.
John holds B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering and Systems Science Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. In conjunction with 3M’s RAPID membership, John leads a Process Intensification Steering Team with the goal of improving performance and capability of 3M’s chemical operations. This team encourages process development during early stages of new material development and provides a forum to highlight the benefits of Process Intensification for internal organizations.
John is actively involved in mentoring and reverse-mentoring through the “Men as Advocates” programs sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers and affiliated groups within 3M. He recruits and supports STEM candidates in under-represented communities by participating in the 3M RISE initiative (Raising Influence in Science and Engineering).