With more than three decades in the packaged gas industry, Judith Zadravec has seen her fair share of change, but she’s never shied away from it. Judith joined MATHESON 21 years ago, beginning her journey in the FTIR Lab in Twinsburg, OH. Drawn by the company’s strong reputation for lab quality, she quickly found alignment with its values and a clear path for long-term growth. Today, she serves as the Lab Manager at the Twinsburg location, where her expertise continues to shape and strengthen the work being done. 

Judith’s role is central to the day-to-day operations of the lab, especially in specialized areas such as EPA Protocol Gases, as well as medical and food and beverage gases. One of the most defining moments of her time in Twinsburg came in 2012 with the addition of industrial filling to the site’s capabilities. A change that introduced new complexities and required the team to integrate industrial and specialty gas systems under one roof. Navigating this hybrid model has been one of the most challenging aspects of her career, but Judith has approached it with the same adaptability and focus that have carried her through every chapter of her professional journey.

2017 was a banner year for Judith and her team when they earned ISO 17025 accreditation for the Twinsburg Lab’s EPA Protocols, a major milestone that underscored their dedication to quality, precision, and regulatory compliance. Achieving this accreditation required focus, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the standards that guide lab excellence. But Judith’s efforts didn’t stop there. She continues to play a key role in upholding that standard through close collaboration with MATHESON’s only other ISO 17025-accredited site: the EPA Lab in New Johnsonville, TN. Together, the two labs maintain a consistent, forward-looking program that evolves with the demands of the industry.

What makes MATHESON stand out to Judith goes far beyond technical excellence. She’s especially drawn to the strong safety culture, particularly the Right of Refusal policy, which empowers employees to speak up if something doesn’t feel safe. That commitment to doing things the right way, with both safety and quality at the forefront, has kept her motivated and aligned with MATHESON’s values. She encourages new employees to never hesitate in asking questions, believing it’s far better to seek clarity than risk getting something wrong. She believes that fostering a culture of openness is essential to growth and success. 

Displayed in her office is a quote that reads, “If you’re not riding the wave of change… you’ll find yourself beneath it.” It’s more than a motto; it’s a reflection of how Judith approaches her work each day, with calm consistency and a drive to lead by example. Her ability to adapt, support others, and uphold high standards continues to elevate the work of her team and the broader organization.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions: https://www.mathesongas.com/careers-at-matheson/