2023 WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER
PNAA ' s Woman of the Year Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success over several years . The award winner has a track record of long-term achievements , professional growth , and community involvement and has distinguished herself in her organization , her profession , and her community . This woman is known for her positive influence and abilities . The Woman of the Year epitomizes the values for which PNAA stands and represents the best of who we are as women and as leaders .
DEANA HARRIS embodies the definition of PNAA ’ s Woman of the Year . In 1988 , Deana and her husband , Mark , founded CNC Machine Services , Inc , a company that provides manufacturing solutions with an emphasis on advanced technology . For the past 35 years , Deana has been a leader , role model and mentor to all that work at CNC . As owner and Vice-President , Deana works closely with every employee in every department of the company . She describes her role at CNC as a unique one , stating , “ I am not an engineer creating outside-the-box aerospace manufacturing solutions . I am not a service technician keeping the manufacturing equipment operational to make parts . I am not a technology innovator that our company is so well known for . I take great pride in my behind-thescenes role . I am grateful to play a role in hearing ideas , empowering execution of those ideas , and facilitating success for our CNC team and our customers .”
Her employees wholeheartedly agree with Deana ’ s farreaching impact within the company . Kendra Rider , CNC ’ s Accounting / HR Manager states , “ Deana always makes everyone feel like we are part of her family . We all feel very fortunate and blessed to have someone like her in our lives . Deana is always there for everyone no matter the time or day . She wears her heart on her sleeve and will help in any way she can . She is very hands on with the company and is someone that wears many hats . Deana is very compassionate in everything that she touches .” CNC ’ s Sales Engineer , John Landau , comments , “ I have been with the company for five years but have worked with CNC Machine Service for 25 years as a customer . Deana brings a certain amount of integrity to our industry as a shop owner and shop manager that is invaluable . As an active member in our community , working alongside Deana brings such an abundance of knowledge , trust , and partnership to our local industry , which equals success .”
Outside of CNC Machine Services , Deana tirelessly gives her time and energy to organizations and causes that are meaningful to her . She gives back to the manufacturing and aerospace community by volunteering for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound ( CAMPS ), Women in Manufacturing , PNAA ’ s Women in Aerospace , I-90 Aerospace and more . She partnered with WATR Center to develop robotics and machine tool repair educational programs .
Deana is also deeply committed to inclusivity and helping individuals affected by disabilities . She devotes her time , her heart , and her soul to Little People of America . Within the Puget Sound Chapter of Little People of America , Deana has been the Fundraising / Event Coordinator since 2013 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2014 . This past year , her efforts helped raise over forty-thousand dollars for dwarfism awareness . On a national level , Deana serves on the Advocacy Committee and the Fundraising Committee . In 2022 , Deana was honored with Little People of America ’ s Distinguished Service Award . Additionally , Deana served on the Washington State Governor ’ s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment from 2020 to 2022 and was responsible for CAMPS 2022 Conference breakout session that focused on solving workforce solutions by practicing inclusivity .
PNAA is proud to award Deana its 2023 Woman of the Year Award .
PNAA ADVANCE / 2024
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2024 ISSUE NO . 37 99