PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEof Washington state’s Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA)
Tacoma, Wash., June 8, 2017 – Tool Gauge, a manufacturer of complex, high-value plastic and metal assemblies for global aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), announced today that its CEO, Debbie Lee, has joined the board of directors of Washington state’s Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA). The AFA is a collaboration of business and government leaders working together to ensure Washington state continues to be a thriving global leader in aerospace excellence.
“I am honored to join the board of directors of such a prestigious organization representing our state’s aerospace industry,” explains Debbie Lee, CEO of Tool Gauge. “I look forward to working alongside the best representatives in our sector to advance policies and further the growth of our local businesses.”
“Tool Gauge is one of the many success stories from Washington state’s aerospace industry. Through Debbie’s leadership, the company has participated in AFA initiatives in Olympia on policy issues that benefit aerospace and related businesses,” adds Kelly Maloney, AFA president and CEO. “Combined with her leadership abilities, Debbie’s rise through the ranks gives her a unique and valuable perspective. It made sense to invite her to join our board.”
Debbie became CEO of Tool Gauge in October 2016. Based in Tacoma, Wash. with 125 employees, Tool Gauge was founded in 1966 with the belief that combining the best engineering talent and technical know-how with leading-edge manufacturing technology would bring lasting success to their customers. Over her 35-year career in the manufacturing industry, Debbie has held a wide variety of leadership roles, including serving as operations officer, procurement manager, materials manager, and customer service manager. She started her career in the late 1980s as an engineering purchasing liaison in Kent, Wash. In March 2001, she joined Tool Gauge as a Boeing focal working in metals shop floor management and worked her way up to the CEO position over the next 15 years. Debbie holds supply chain management certifications from APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society), as well as certifications in lean manufacturing and project management. She currently serves as the commodore of the Gig Harbor Yacht Club as well as the chairman of the Club’s board of directors.
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About Tool Gauge
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Tacoma, Wash., Tool Gauge manufactures complex, high-value plastic and metal assemblies. Global aerospace OEMs trust us for our high product quality, on-time delivery, and continuous technology innovation. We have been the proud recipient of Boeing’s Silver / Silver Performance Excellence Award for seven consecutive years (2010-2016). For more information, please follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About AFA
The Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) was formed in 2006 to provide aerospace companies with a single voice on policy issues affecting the sector. Representing approximately 1,450 aerospace companies, AFA has been instrumental individually and in partnership with other organizations – working across the aisle – and leading to impactful results, including job creation, new education and training initiatives, and a robust aerospace climate. For more information, please visit us online or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.