PNAA’s Chairman’s Award is presented to the individual, company or organization that has in PNAA’s discretion, made the greatest contribution through innovation or growth, thus raising the industry standard of the Aerospace Industry in the Pacific Northwest.

Dean Cameron has always been a serial entrepreneur. At age 19, Dean began Camtex, a sporting goods manufacturing company, which grew to 88 employees in nine short years. Dean eventually merged the business with Spokane Valley-based aerospace manufacturer, Multifab Inc. where he enjoyed a 28-year career as a national sales manager growing their business into the aerospace sector and working with numerous Tier 1 commercial interiors companies.

Dean’s aerospace work involved early design direction and concept to manufacturing consultation. He described his projects as “Cradle to Grave;” from napkin sketch to delivered product. Often his projects involved partnerships with other suppliers to develop a finished assembly. Recognizing that there were challenges to getting the information about what his company provided to potential partners, Dean came up with the concept of Northwest Aerospace News.

After retiring from Multifab Inc., Dean started Top Drawer Media in 2016 and began publishing an arts and entertainment magazine called Art Chowder. He then spent a year developing the idea for Northwest Aerospace News Magazine and conducting market research. He sought to provide unique information that is generally not covered in other industry trade magazines.

In 2017, Dean launched Northwest Aerospace News Magazine with the goal of being the voice of the manufacturer to the aerospace industry. The magazine’s focus and content centers on Tier Two, Three, and Four suppliers. When asked about the success of the magazine, Dean reflects, “Our growth has been amazing. We have become a kept resource for supply chain to find new partners as well as integrating AFA’s Lift Magazine and Aerospace Vendors’ website. We strive to offer multiple resources for suppliers to be seen by industry partners.”

Dean describes his work in aerospace manufacturing as “one of the most demanding industries I have ever worked in. The ability to be flexible as well as on-time with superior quality is what sets suppliers in this industry apart from others. Sharing the exceptional manufacturers and their passion to support their clients has been, and is, a very rewarding effort.”

Nikki Malcolm, PNAA Interim CEO and Executive Director, applauds the work of Northwest Aerospace News Magazine saying “Dean Cameron is a great friend and colleague to the PNW Aerospace Cluster. His magazine is full of positivity and showcases the local aerospace region, and he is consistently finding new ways to give back to the industry.”