Loriann S.’s journey: a career built on growth, leadership, and oppportunity at Cummins Inc.

For over 27 years, Loriann S. has been an integral part of Cummins, building a career rooted in leadership, technical expertise and mentorship. From her early days as a co-op student to her current role leading a Technical Sourcing team, Loriann’s journey is a testament to the opportunities and growth that Cummins offers.

Her path to engineering began with a pivotal experience in high school. "I have always been interested in making things better," Loriann shares. Encouraged by a teacher, she attended a summer camp at Purdue University called Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP), which introduced her to the different types of engineering careers available. "I loved Purdue and STEP opened my eyes to real-world problem-solving and reinforced my passion for making things better." After earning her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University in 1995, Loriann began her professional career at a local company, working in manufacturing and performance engineering. However, her previous co-op experience at Cummins left a lasting impression. "I had a very positive experience as a co-op student, working across multiple organizations and functions." When she decided to return home to Franklin, Indiana, Cummins was her first choice.

Today, Loriann leads a Technical Sourcing team supporting the Cummins Emissions Solutions (CES) Business in Procurement. In her role, she finds fulfillment in shaping the company’s future through VPI, or value package introduction, programs. "For me, the best part of my job is the people that I work with. I love leading a team and helping people determine their next career move and how they can be their best self at work." A typical day for Loriann is packed with meetings, internal strategy discussions and supplier engagements. Her team supports all CES North America On-Highway VPI programs, meaning that her meetings range from reviewing requests for quotes to supplier selection based on financial analysis, quality assessments and delivery performance. Ensuring things stay on track—or troubleshooting when they don’t—is a big part of her day.

One of the key reasons Loriann has remained at Cummins for more than two decades is the strong sense of community and shared values. "I think the biggest thing that has made me both proud and happy to work at Cummins is our core values. Those values not only shaped my career but also introduced me to some of the most important people in my life. I met my husband at Cummins, and many of my closest friends have come from my time here. I will forever be thankful for my career and the relationships I’ve made along the way."  Work-life balance is another important aspect that has contributed to her long tenure. "Cummins has always been flexible in work-life balance, and honestly, I think remote and hybrid work arrangements have only improved employees’ work-life balance." 

Loriann’s drive to embrace new challenges is strengthened by Cummins’ deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating an environment where employees from all backgrounds can thrive. "I think Cummins has evolved in our commitment to diversity. Our journey started with J. Irwin Miller and has continued to evolve to where we are now. I am thankful for Cummins' commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment. It has given me the opportunity to work with people of all backgrounds, which I know leads us to deliver excellent results." This inclusive culture has also provided Loriann with numerous opportunities to grow in her career. "One thing I love about Cummins is the opportunities to continue to grow in my career. I have worked across many businesses and multiple functions. I look forward to new opportunities in my future as well."

For those considering a career at Cummins, Loriann’s advice is simple: embrace the opportunities. "I feel very fortunate to have spent most of my career at Cummins. This is my 27th year. I have had so many great opportunities to contribute to Cummins' growth as well as my own growth. I have worked across multiple functions and businesses. I have had many international travel opportunities and worked with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds." At the heart of her career is a company that empowers employees to take charge of their professional growth. "At Cummins, employees are empowered to take the initiative on our own career. I have been fortunate to have strong mentors to help me evaluate opportunities and choose those that best fit my personal work-life balance desires."

While the daily challenges of work can be demanding, Loriann’s dedication remains. She truly enjoys the work she does and the people she works with. "The work every day is challenging and can be rewarding, but sometimes in the grind of the work, it isn’t always easy, but that’s what makes the wins that much sweeter." With a career marked by continuous learning, leadership and meaningful connections, Loriann’s journey at Cummins exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation.