Building Kentucky's Future: Alum Leads GE Appliances Kitchen Cleanup Enterprise

Cynthia “Cinthy” Fanning’s journey from graduate student in the University of Kentucky’s Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles program to vice president at GE Appliances is a powerful example of how UK alumni lead with purpose and innovation. Her early work in the UK Textiles Testing Lab—guided by longtime faculty mentor Elizabeth Easter—sparked a decades-long career in product development, manufacturing and team leadership.

Now overseeing kitchen cleanup products at GE Appliances in Louisville, Fanning played a central role in the company’s $450 million investment in two new dishwasher manufacturing lines, which created 1,000 jobs in Kentucky. From securing a patent on GE’s “CleanSensor” dishwasher technology to mentoring rising professionals, Fanning’s story reflects the land-grant mission in action: research, teaching and Extension working together to improve lives across the Commonwealth and beyond.

The connection between UK and GE Appliances remains strong. More than 220 UK alumni work at Appliance Park today—including engineers, product managers and recruiters—furthering Kentucky’s workforce and economic development. Fanning continues to support UK’s Textile Lab and is an advocate for real-world, hands-on student learning.

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Written by Christopher Carney
Contact: [email protected]
Media Requests: C.E. Huffman, [email protected]
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu

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