PPG Industries IT Manager Named to 40 Under 40 List
The recognition highlights the strategic value of internal IT internships in scaling global research digital platforms.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Internships
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Pittsburgh Magazine has named PPG Industries IT manager Jennifer Bourne a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree. Bourne, who is 36, is recognized for her leadership in the company's Science & Technology IT department and her six-year tenure managing its internship program.
Why it matters
Recognition of internal talent managers highlights the growing strategic importance of specialized internship programs in developing technical pipelines. These initiatives serve as a critical bridge for integrating emerging digital talent into complex R&D environments.
The recognition acknowledges 40 honorees selected from the Pittsburgh area. Jennifer Bourne managed the internship program for 6 years, a core contribution to her portfolio supporting over 70 global labs.
The players
Jennifer Bourne
A 36-year-old senior IT manager at PPG Industries who specializes in digital transformation and research technology.
PPG Industries
A global manufacturer of paints, coatings, and specialty materials that maintains extensive research operations.
Pittsburgh Magazine
A monthly regional publication that tracks local business, culture, and professional achievement.
The details
Bourne currently directs the Science & Technology IT department at PPG, focusing on digital transformation and AI projects designed to modernize R&D workflows. She is spearheading a platform intended to unify data access for researchers operating across more than 70 global laboratory sites.
Timeline
2026: Jennifer Bourne received 40 Under 40 recognition.
Market Landscape
Bourne's recognition follows the broader industrial trend of integrating AI into research operations to improve data accessibility. This shift reflects the ongoing modernization of internal R&D digital transformation projects within manufacturing.
Operators should evaluate how technical internship programs are currently tied to R&D innovation goals. Tracking whether your junior talent manages high-impact digital initiatives is a key indicator of effective long-term workforce development.
The takeaway
Recognizing managers who successfully bridge IT strategy with technical R&D roles remains a vital signal of internal capability. Review your own organization's internship metrics to see if they align with major digital transformation goals for the coming year.
Further reading
For broader trends in professional development, see Internships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pittsburgh Magazine.
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