EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
MARK BEHRENDS
Mark Behrends has been at the center of Pioneer Human Services for nine years . As a nonprofit social enterprise that provides individuals involved in the criminal legal system with the opportunity to lead healthy , productive lives , Pioneer Human Services also assists people who are overcoming substance use disorders and mental health issues . Founded in 1963 as a single halfway house for individuals released from prison , Pioneer Human Services has expanded to a robust organization operating a broad range of over 50 programs across Washington . In addition to addressing societal challenges , it helps give justice-involved individuals a place to live , access to behavioral health care , job-readiness training , and stable employment .
Pioneer Human Services operates a diverse line of aerospace manufacturing , distribution , and commercial food businesses to provide on-the-job training and work experience , while generating revenue to help fund its social mission . One of the enterprises , Pioneer Industries , is a full-service CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication business that produces high-quality aerospace parts . As a key Tier 1 supplier with over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space , it employs hundreds of professional men and women .
After earning a BA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Pittsburg , Mark worked at Alcoa , Inc . as the Aerospace Sales Manager . He was eventually promoted to Vice President of Alcoa Powder . In 2013 , after 31 years at Alcoa , Mark joined Pioneer . As Chief Operations Officer , Mark oversees operational standards at Pioneer Human Services and Pioneer Industries , as well as Pioneer ’ s two other enterprises : Pioneer Food Services and Pioneer
Distribution Center . He also serves as executive sponsor for all major projects related to client training , enterprises , and infrastructure development .
During Mark ’ s tenure , Pioneer Industries has
Mark Behrends , Pioneer Human Services
adopted a performance-driven culture that includes meaningful metrics from top to bottom . In addition to all but eliminating recordable injuries , he revised operational performance practices which resulted in receiving Boeing ’ s Performance Excellence Award ( 2018 ), Premier Bidder supplier ( 2020 ), a nomination for Supplier of the Year ( 2021 ), and a Supply Chain Performance Achievement ( 2021 – only 183 Boeing suppliers out of 12,000 worldwide receive it ), while navigating the pandemic and MAX challenges .
PNAA Board Member Orlando Tantico states , “ It takes a very talented leader to achieve such prestigious operational results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment . Mark has consistently gone beyond the call of duty – his passion , initiative and care for others encapsulates the true definition of what it means to be a servant leader . He possesses people-centric qualities . He respects the individuals , treats people with dignity , and understands their experiences . No one is more deserving of this award .”
Mark is optimistic about the organization ’ s growth noting , “ The aerospace market has been challenged to grow in the traditional sense during the pandemic and Pioneer is no different in that regard . However , Pioneer has grown in other ways . The leadership team has crosstrained the entire work force . Investments have been implemented . Products flows have been reprogrammed to be produced more efficiently . We have created excess footprint in the plant to allow for growth . We have taken full advantage of these last three years to create a strong production and financial model that resulted in a robust 2022 . I couldn ’ t be more excited for the future .”
Outside of work , Mark participates with PNAC in Workforce Development and Supply Chain mapping , is an active PNAA member , serves on the leadership team for the Eastside area Young Life organization , and enjoys travel with his wife and family .
PNAA ’ s Executive of the Year Award is presented to an executive of an aerospace company located within the Pacific Northwest who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace industry .
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