Luke Harms, director of government relations at Whirlpool Corporation, received the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) William Babington, Jr. Award during Thursday’s Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum in Columbus, recognizing his volunteer leadership and commitment to Ohio manufacturing.

Harms, who has chaired OMA’s Government Affairs Committee since 2024, brings firsthand experience navigating the legislative and regulatory issues facing one of Ohio’s largest manufacturing employers. His work with OMA has helped shape the association’s policy priorities, build consensus among members and strengthen manufacturers’ engagement with state policymakers.

“Luke knows his stuff, and he knows how to get things done,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “He can walk into a room full of manufacturers with different priorities, find the common ground and turn it into a policy position that actually moves the needle. That’s not easy, and it’s one of the reasons OMA has been so effective with Luke leading our Government Affairs Committee.”

Presented on select occasions, the William Babington, Jr. Award recognizes outstanding volunteer leadership in advancing OMA’s mission and strengthening the association. It honors the late William Babington Jr. of Stone Container, whose dedication, high expectations and good humor left a lasting impression on the organization. 10/1/2026