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2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Evan Gonnerman, 29

Evan Gonnerman, 29, Portfolio Manager, Concept Systems, Albany, OR

By Plant Engineering Staff September 9, 2024
Source: WTWH Media

Evan Gonnerman, 29
Portfolio Manager
Concept Systems
Albany, OR, United States
BS Mechanical Engineering, Oregon State University

What Makes Evan an Engineering Leader

Evan embodies a rare combination of traits in an engineer. At his core, he is an innovator, constantly on the lookout for revolutionary ideas or better solutions to customer problems. In the field, clients often request Evan for his expertise in triage and troubleshooting, while his peers admire his ability to apply his knowledge to practical applications. Most importantly, Evan is a strong leader and passionate collaborator. His ability to unite customers and colleagues, foster an environment of learning and excellence, and deliver with precision is unmatched.

Achievements, Advancements & Career-related Industry Contributions

Evan has experienced significant growth over the past two years, transitioning from a Senior Engineer to a dynamic Portfolio Manager. His dedication has led him to advocate for the expansion of a regional team at Concept Systems, successfully attracting top talent beyond the company’s corporate borders. Through his steadfast leadership, Evan has cultivated strong bonds with team members, fostering a culture of loyalty and dedication within the office. His tireless advocacy for his team includes providing essential resources and arranging for robotic demonstrations directly in the workspace.

On a personal level, Evan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. He led an agile team in the successful launch of Concept’s latest innovation, evriiRobot. With a vision grounded in innovation and automation, Evan inspired trust in the company’s ability to deliver best-in-class products on time. His collaborative efforts with sales and marketing ensured that evriiRobot reached customers, surpassing all previous launch endeavors. Evan’s personal touch and dedication have truly set a new standard for success at Concept.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

Outside of work, Evan’s passion is his family. He, his wife Hailey, and their daughter Luna are eagerly anticipating the addition of a new family member in late summer. You’ll often find Evan riding his e-Bike with Luna in tow or playing various competitive sports. He is also known for his love of complex and challenging board games.

Interesting Details

Evan’s ability to develop relationships has led him to take on advisory and mentorship roles for new employees, strategic internal investments, and external entities. His perspective and insight are valued by decision-makers throughout the industry, which is impressive given his relatively short tenure as a professional.

Why Evan Chose This Career

Evan was drawn to automation because it offers insight into the vast world of manufacturing, from airplane construction to French fry food processing. Each unique application requires ingenuity, creativity, and a high level of attention to detail, ensuring that the work is never dull. Beyond the technical aspects, Evan appreciates the far-reaching impacts that well-designed automation can have on end-user quality of life and safety. The impact and enjoyment of a career in automation create an environment that evolves with technology while addressing the real-life needs of the manufacturing sector.


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