As we mentioned earlier today the first annual STEP Awards will be held tonight in Washington to honor 122 women in who have made significant contributions to manufacturing. One of tonight’s honorees is Kellie Johnson, president of ACE Clearwater Enterprises and a member of the NAM’s Executive Committee.

Under Kellie’s leadership, ACE Clearwater has grown to 210 employees with projected revenue of $35 million. The company has earned the coveted Boeing Supplier of the Year Award. Kellie is also a trustee of The Manufacturing Institute and served on the Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council in both the Bush and Obama Administrations. She is a third generation manufacturer who has made great contributions to the industry.

“Manufacturing fulfills me on so many levels.  I’ve had the opportunity to continue my family legacy as a third generation manufacturer servicing the aerospace industry where the US remains a global leader.  I am proud to offer amazing career paths to the women and men who are the American workforce.” Kellie Johnson

Tonight the Manufacturing Institute in partnership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, University of Phoenix and Deloitte will host the first annual Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Awards. The awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and best practices for attacking, advancing and retaining strong female talent.

The recipients represent a diverse group of 122 women recognized for their outstanding contributions to the manufacturing industry. These honorees are the faces of exciting careers in manufacturing and have made a positive impact on their company and the industry. They have extremely inspiring stories that truly demonstrate leadership and will inspire the next generation of women leaders in manufacturing. Throughout the day we will post on Shopfloor a few of the stories of tonight’s 122 honorees.