2023 Woman of the Year

The PNAA WIA Woman of the Year Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success over several years. The nominee will have 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 competent abilities. The Nominee 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-the-scenes 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 far-reaching 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.