Worthington Steel People Feature
At Worthington Steel, we’re proud to employ and support those who’ve served. Veterans bring leadership, adaptability and teamwork that align naturally with Our Philosophy and culture. Kristina Davidson, quality manager at our Cleveland facility, is one of many who prove that military experience is a great fit for a career here.
When Davidson joined Worthington Steel four years ago, she brought with her more than technical expertise. She carried a lifetime of experiences that shaped her into a people-first leader – from walking on to the softball team as a student-athlete and earning a chemical engineering degree at Youngstown State University, to managing 24/7 salt mining operations and later serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy.
“What stood out to me here was empowerment,” Davidson said. “Worthington doesn’t just give you a role; they give you resources and trust to grow. That’s rare.” She’s also found a sense of community through Honor, our employee resource group for veterans, and is helping establish a Wall of Honor at her facility.
A Calling to Serve
Military service was always in the back of Davidson’s mind. She had talked to recruiters out of high school but chose college first. A few years later, she applied for a direct commission into the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, quickly becoming an officer and eventually leading a few hundred sailors.
Her service began in the Navy Reserve, where she found herself responsible for 50 sailors before she even had a uniform. “I had authority but no training, so I leaned heavily on the people around me,” she said. “I told them, ‘You’re the experts. Lead me.’ That approach carried over into how I lead teams today.”
In 2017, Davidson was activated for a year-long deployment to Africa, overseeing construction and engineering projects supporting the Army, Navy, Air Force and special forces. It was a period of heightened visibility when U.S. special operations teams in Niger faced ambushes that made national news. “A lot of people didn’t even realize we had troops there,” she said. “It was stressful and humbling. You’re responsible for people’s lives and for decisions that determine whether they get to go home to their families.”
Davidson pictured center.
Finding Purpose at Worthington Steel
Transitioning back to civilian life wasn’t easy. “You go from a very intense, purpose-driven role to asking yourself, ‘What’s next?’” Davidson said. She found that purpose again in the steel industry, and ultimately, at Worthington Steel.
Here, she’s experienced the same trust and teamwork that defined her military service. “The support I’ve received has been unwavering,” she said. “I’ve told my leaders many times how much I appreciate the flexibility and encouragement. It makes me proud to work for a company that truly values veterans.”
Her supervisor, Dave Painter, senior operations manager at our Cleveland facility and a military veteran, said Davidson exemplifies Our Philosophy in action. “Kristina lives out what Worthington Steel stands for. She steps up, supports her team and helps others on the plant floor and in her community. The same drive she showed in the military continues to make a difference here every day.”
Davidson, pictured left with Cleveland Steel's quality team.
Kristina Davidson, U.S. Navy Veteran and Worthington Steel Employee
Worthington Steel doesn't just give you a role; they give you resources and trust to grow. That's rare."
Life Beyond Work
Outside of work, Davidson enjoys time with her large extended family and her partner. This past summer, the two joined a women’s sailing club in Cleveland. “It was my first time actually learning to sail, which is funny since I was in the Navy,” she said. “I was a dirt sailor – always on land.”
She’s also interested in emerging technology, exploring how artificial intelligence can support compliance and quality in manufacturing.
Davidson's Youngstown State University softball team.
Strong For Good
For Davidson, leadership always comes down to people. “I don’t like to ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” she said. “Whether it was cleaning weapons with sailors or helping on the production floor, I want my team to know I’m with them.”
Her approach reflects the best of Worthington Steel, leading with purpose, building trust and finding strength in others. It’s the kind of leadership that makes our company, and the people behind it, strong for good.