SMTA 'Members of Distinction' Awards Announced

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The SMTA is proud to honor the 2026 “Members of Distinction” award recipients who have shown exceptional dedication to the association and the electronics manufacturing industry.

The association's highest honor, the Founder's Award, recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions to the industry, as well as support and service to the SMTA. This year, the Awards Committee selected Mike Bixenman, Magnalytix and KYZEN Corporation, to receive this prestigious award. A member since 1999, Mike's involvement in the SMTA goes back over 25 years with more than 100 papers and presentations shared at SMTA events, along with extensive service as a technical committee member for multiple conferences. His longstanding commitment to technical education, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of the electronics manufacturing industry has made a lasting impact on SMTA and its members.

The Technical Distinction Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and continuing technical contributions to the association. This year, the Awards Committee selected Vladimir Sitko, PBT-Works s.r.o., as the recipient of this award. Since 2018, Vladimir has been an active contributor to SMTA through technical presentations, numerous technical papers, committee involvement, and participation in knowledge-sharing forums focused on electronics manufacturing and cleaning processes. His continued commitment to sharing technical expertise and advancing industry knowledge has made a valuable contribution to SMTA and its members.

The Excellence in Leadership Award honors strong leaders who continue to support and elevate the association. This year, the award goes to Ray Prasad, Ray Prasad Consultancy Group, an SMTA member since 1988 who has served as President of the Oregon Chapter and played a key role in rebuilding the chapter following the pandemic, including helping bring back the Oregon SMTA Expo. Ray has also contributed to SMTA for decades as a technical presenter, speaker, workshop instructor, and author, sharing his expertise with members and industry professionals around the world. SMTA thanks Ray for his many years of leadership, knowledge sharing, and continued dedication to strengthening the association and its members.

The Excellence in International Leadership Award recognizes members who have provided outstanding support and leadership to SMTA’s international members, chapters, and educational programs. This year, the award goes to Ivan Castellanos, Indium Corporation, an SMTA member since 2008 who has played a key role in expanding SMTA’s educational reach throughout Mexico and Latin America. As one of SMTA’s primary Spanish-speaking instructors, Ivan has led SMT Process Certification courses, supported Spanish translations, and helped make technical education more accessible throughout the region. His dedication to bilingual education, knowledge sharing, and professional development has made a lasting impact on SMTA’s international community.

The SMTA+ Corporate Partnership Award recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting and advancing the association. This year, the award goes to RTX for its continued dedication to SMTA as a Corporate Gold member. Through employee engagement, volunteer leadership, technical expertise, and support of educational and industry programs, RTX has consistently found ways to strengthen the SMTA community and encourage knowledge sharing. Their commitment to developing the next generation of electronics manufacturing professionals and advancing the industry makes RTX highly deserving of this recognition.

Last but not least, SMTA proudly announces the winner of a brand new award established earlier this year. The Dr. Jennie Hwang Pinnacle Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the SMTA community and the electronics manufacturing industry. This year, SMTA is proud to present the inaugural award to Marie Cole, retired from IBM, an SMTA member since 1994 who has served in numerous leadership roles, including Global Board Treasurer and Vice President of Technical Programs. Marie has made a lasting impact through her technical expertise, mentorship, support of STEM education, and pivotal role in establishing the SMTA Women’s Leadership Program. Her decades of service, dedication to knowledge sharing, and commitment to developing future leaders make her a fitting recipient of the first Dr. Jennie Hwang Pinnacle Award.

SMTA has recognized exceptional individual and corporate members for their immeasurable contributions to the association since 1994.