STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, USA – March 9, 2026: The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced that Dawn Krencisz, Global Business Director, Metal Carbide Coatings at Momentive Technologies, has been recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Award Honoree. She is among 145 recipients selected nationwide.
“Dawn’s leadership reflects the very best of what manufacturing needs today,” said Brian Kozak, Vice President of the Ceramics Business Unit at Momentive Technologies. “She brings deep technical expertise, a strong customer mindset and a genuine commitment to developing people and processes. Her ability to connect customer challenges to material solutions while mentoring the next generation of leaders makes her an outstanding representative of Momentive Technologies and the manufacturing industry.”
Krencisz has built a 25-year career in advanced materials and ceramics, with experience spanning product and process development, operational excellence and global business leadership. In her current role, she leads the global metal carbide coatings business, working across engineering, operations and commercial teams to deliver customer focused solutions and profitable growth. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her data driven approach, process discipline and dedication to coaching and mentoring teams through complex technical and organizational challenges.
Krencisz will be honored at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026.
The STEP Ahead Awards are a key component of the Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead initiative, a leading program dedicated to supporting the manufacturing workforce through leadership development and recognition.
The STEP Ahead Awards shine a spotlight on the people powering manufacturing success, those whose leadership, expertise and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities. As manufacturers work to attract, retain and advance talent in a rapidly evolving industry, programs like STEP Ahead play a critical role in elevating role models and demonstrating what leadership in manufacturing looks like today.
“Manufacturing’s future depends on leaders who develop talent, strengthen teams and drive results by building strong workplace cultures,” said Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead. “The STEP Ahead Awards recognize and celebrate those making that impact every day in their workplaces and communities and whose leadership helps the next generation see a place for themselves in manufacturing.”
These prestigious annual awards recognize employees who have excelled in their careers and showcase leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C suite.
About Momentive Technologies
Momentive Technologies applies advanced materials science to design and manufacture ultra-high-performance quartz materials, quartz crucibles, and ceramic products vital to various high-growth end markets, including the silicon and compound semiconductor industries, electronics, and aerospace components. These solutions enable the production of logic and memory chips, power control devices, and multiple systems for electric vehicles, integrated circuits, power control devices, data servers, and aerospace applications. Recognized for its products’ purity, performance, consistency, and stability, Momentive Technologies has delivered innovative solutions for over 130 years and continues impacting emerging trends like electrification, digitalization, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. The Company, headquartered in Strongsville, Ohio, operates globally and serves customers in over 30 countries.
For more information, visit https://www.momentivetech.com/.
About the Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce for today and tomorrow to create a workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. This is done through implementing groundbreaking initiatives, convening industry leaders, conducting innovative research and promoting public policy that supports the sector as it meets the opportunity of modern manufacturing. Through this work, the Manufacturing Institute furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry.
For more information, visit https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/.
