A Distinguished Engineer in IBM Systems Supply Chain Engineering, Marie Cole joined IBM in 1984 after completing a B.S. in chemical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then earned an M.S. in materials science at Columbia University.

She is a recognized industry expert in electronic packaging materials, with a focus on environmental initiatives and reliability. Her recent technical interest areas include cybersecurity and blockchain for the supply chain.

Cole is the recipient of several technical awards, including an IBM Corporate Award for Lead-free Soldering Transformation and a Best of IBM Award, the 2014 SMTA Founder's Award, and the 2014 ASM Engineering Materials Achievement Award. Cole, a life member of the Society of Women Engineers and active in the Mid-Hudson Section, has been a speaker and panelist at recent SWE WE Local and WE Conferences, and was recognized for her passion for giveback to her women colleagues with a 2017 SWE Spark Award for mentoring.

While a student at RPI, Cole was a member of the Symphonic Band and Pep Band, active in AIChE, and inducted into Tau Beta Pi. She was also a dedicated member of the RPI Women’s Swim Club; she served as the president of the club her senior year, drafting the successful petition for the Women’s Swim Club to be elevated to varsity status in the spring of 1984.