Dr. Schlitz is an accomplished leader, with experience in strategy development, M&A and growth initiatives, and operational excellence at an international scale, including several global manufacturing companies. She has extensive expertise in research and development, having served in product development roles at Johnson Controls, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and Siemens Energy and Automation. She has also built research and development expertise specifically within the food science sector, including during her tenure as executive vice president of ITW's $22B Food Equipment segment, which services commercial food service and food retail customers around the globe. She also oversaw product portfolio growth by building strong market-driven strategy at Siemens, developing important strategic planning, sales and marketing expertise. Dr. Schlitz contributes to the Board her strong sustainability expertise, including her first-hand experience driving product innovations in energy-efficient electrical distribution products and equipment at GE Global Research and GE Industrial Systems. Dr. Schlitz holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a bachelor's degree in engineering mechanics from Tsinghua University, China.