I. Patricia Henry
I. Patricia Henry (born August 20, 1947) is the first African American woman to manage a major American brewery Miller Brewing Company now MillerCoors in Eden, NC. The Eden, NC plant produces 9 million barrels a year.[1]
Early life
I. Patricia Henry was born in Martinsville, VA to Ida Walker Pinnix. Her mother moved to Reidsville, NC when she was a youth. After graduating from high school in 1965, Patricia was accepted to Bennett College in Greensboro, NC. In 1969, she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in chemistry.[1]
Career
After graduating from Bennett, Patricia began an accomplished career as a systems analyst working for such companies as General Electric Company, Norfolk and Western Railway and Ethyl Corporation. In 1977, after being hired by the Miller brewing company I. Patricia Henry became the first African American and first woman to become a master brewer for a major American brewery. She held the position as brewing manager for 18 years. In 1995, Patricia became the plant manager. She managed 878 employees and the plant produced 8 million barrels a year during her tenure.[1]
Personal life
Henry is divorced mother of two children, Hans and Tiffany.[1]