STEP Award Winners

Kellie Johnson
President
ACE Clearwater Enterprises
Torrance, CA

“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.”

ACE Clearwater Enterprises specializes in complex formed and welded assemblies.  Under Kellie’s leadership, the company has grown to 210 employees with projected revenue of $35 million.  The company is a preferred supplier for most original equipment manufacturers and recipient of the coveted Boeing Supplier of the Year award.

Kellie serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the National Association of Manufacturers.  She is a Trustee of The Manufacturing Institute and served on the Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council in the Bush and Obama Administrations.  Kellie sits on the California Metals Coalition board and was previously involved as Board member and Chair for the California Manufacturing and Technology Association. 

Kellie sponsors three FIRST Robotics teams including an all female team called the Fembots and started a production company, DASH 9, to help manufacturers with marketing, training and advocacy.