Shaw Industries’ Kellie Ballew recognized as 2024 IWBI Trailblazer Award recipient

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Shaw Industries Group Inc. announces that Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer Kellie Ballew has been honored with the 2024 IWBI Trailblazer Award by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). This award recognizes individuals who are pushing the boundaries of the WELL movement in innovative ways, helping to advance health and wellbeing in the built environment.

The recognition comes as part of IWBI’s annual Community Awards, which celebrates leaders committed to promoting people-first places — spaces designed to prioritize occupant health and wellness.

“This year’s Community Award winners are truly remarkable,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “Each of these leaders have made profound contributions to the healthy building movement and advancing our shared vision for people-first places and flourishing organizations. Hailing from 15 countries, our honorees have contributed massively to the explosive demand for WELL spaces worldwide. We are honored to work alongside these amazing individuals and so very grateful for their dedication and impassioned efforts.”

Throughout her 30-year career at Shaw, Ballew has been a driving force behind manufacturing excellence and product innovation. She has played a pivotal role in embedding sustainability into Shaw’s product development and manufacturing processes. Her efforts ensure that Shaw’s sustainability strategy helps to create a better future and a better world, with a keen focus on the health and well-being of all people and our planet.

She was instrumental on the team that developed Shaw’s EcoWorx carpet tile, the industry’s first PVC-free and fully recyclable carpet tile, which became the industry’s first Cradle to Cradle Certified carpet tile. Today, nearly 90% of the products Shaw manufacturers are Cradle to Cradle Certified.

Under her leadership, Shaw was the first flooring company to receive the Works with WELL product license for its EcoWorx carpet tile which demonstrates EcoWorx’ alignment with health strategies within the WELL Building Standard.

She played a key role in the 2024 launch of EcoWorx Resilient, a PVC-free, fully recyclable and low embodied carbon flooring solution that sets a new standard for sustainability and performance.

“Kellie’s dedication to sustainability, innovation and human-centric design has made a profound impact on both Shaw and the broader industry,” said Shaw President and CEO Tim Baucom. “By leveraging market insights and deep technical expertise, she ensures our sustainability strategy drives meaningful change. The IWBI Trailblazer Award recognition underscores her role as a thought leader and champion for health and well-being in the built environment.”

Ballew’s influence extends well beyond Shaw and her involvement with IWBI, as she continues to be a sought-after adviser and speaker on sustainability, innovation and the intersection of health and the built environment. Her ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, actionable strategies has positioned her as a respected leader in the field.

“I am honored to receive the IWBI Trailblazer Award and to be recognized among such an inspiring group of professionals from around the world,” said Ballew. “At Shaw, we believe in putting people at the center of all we do — what we call sustain[HUMAN]ability — which ensures we are designing and manufacturing products that help contribute to healthier, more sustainable spaces. This award is a testament to the incredible collaboration within our organization and the broader WELL movement.”