With over three and a half decades of engineering leadership, strategic transformation, and operational excellence, Nona Larson stands as a paragon of professional tenacity and thoughtful innovation. Throughout her career, Nona has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sustainable progress, delivering high-impact results in the transportation, automotive, aerospace, and environmental sectors. Her journey from a hands-on engineer to a highly respected executive has been defined by a deep-rooted belief in the value of continuous improvement, customer-centric thinking, and the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Nona’s early professional path began in the heart of aerospace innovation at Boeing, where she honed her technical expertise as a Finishes and Corrosion Control Engineer. Over nearly seven years, she immersed herself in the intricacies of materials science and environmental protection within demanding aviation environments. Her work contributed directly to the longevity and performance of complex aircraft systems, and it was here that she began to build her identity as a detail-oriented, solution-driven professional with a deep respect for safety, compliance, and technical rigor.
In 1994, Nona transitioned to PACCAR, a global leader in commercial vehicle design and manufacturing. Over a remarkable 30-year tenure with the company, she navigated a series of increasingly strategic roles, including Senior Materials Engineer, Engineering Manager, and eventually Director-level positions across engineering and operations. Nona’s experience at PACCAR is a testament to her versatility, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether spearheading process engineering efforts or leading full-scale program management initiatives, she brought a systems-thinking mindset that optimized performance, accelerated timelines, and reduced costs.
By 2015, Nona had earned a reputation as an organizational change agent. As Director of Program Management at PACCAR, she orchestrated large-scale, cross-functional projects with a focus on lean methodologies and value stream mapping. Her leadership not only improved internal efficiencies but also elevated customer satisfaction by aligning product development with market needs. Colleagues and stakeholders alike recognized her ability to bridge technical insight with strategic execution, fostering trust and transparency at every level.
Her final leadership chapter at PACCAR Parts from 2019 to 2024 further solidified her legacy of customer-centered innovation. As Director of Engineering and later Director of Customer Experience, Nona transformed operational systems and digital interfaces, ensuring that engineering solutions aligned with the evolving demands of the global transportation marketplace. Under her guidance, the organization embraced new levels of service responsiveness, supply chain adaptability, and data-driven decision-making—initiatives that were instrumental in maintaining PACCAR’s competitive edge in a rapidly shifting Industry.
A passionate advocate of sustainability and alternative fuels, Nona has long championed environmentally responsible engineering practices.During her career she provided technical and executive leadership for development, deployment, and customer support of electric and hybrid commercial vehicles.
Her licensure as a Professional Engineer in Environmental Engineering, paired with her Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials, underscores a lifelong commitment to excellence and discipline. These certifications are more than accolades—they are a reflection of her dedication to rigorous standards, ethical leadership, and measurable impact.
In addition to her technical and operational expertise, Nona has a distinguished academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Washington State University, where she was an active member of the Honors Program and the university band. Her love of learning continued with an MBA in Project Management from the City University of Seattle and a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics for Decision Making from the University of Washington. This continuous pursuit of knowledge has fueled her ability to anticipate industry shifts and lead with clarity in complex, data-rich environments.
Beyond the boardroom, Nona brings a spirit of curiosity and community. An avid hiker, reader, and musician, she finds balance in nature and personal growth. Her international exposure includes meaningful professional experiences in the Netherlands, contributing a global perspective to her decision-making and leadership style. Fluent in the universal languages of collaboration and integrity, Nona is known for fostering inclusive environments that welcome diverse voices and ideas.
Her public speaking engagements throughout her career reflect a natural ability to communicate vision and inspire action. Whether addressing engineering teams, industry forums, or executive stakeholders, Nona is articulate, authentic, and deeply respected. She also remains active in education and community service, currently volunteering on the Washington State University board, where she influences program development and mentors emerging leaders.
Now retired from full-time corporate leadership, Nona seeks to leverage her vast experience through board service. Her desire to remain engaged in the business world stems from a genuine passion for innovation and mentorship. With a legacy of strategic insight, technical fluency, and empathetic leadership, she is uniquely equipped to guide organizations navigating transformation, sustainability challenges, and evolving customer expectations.
Character:
Nona leads with humility, purpose, and an unwavering ethical compass. Her consistent dedication to improvement and people-centered leadership is evident in the trust she cultivates across organizations.
Knowledge:
Her multidisciplinary expertise spans engineering, project management, lean manufacturing, and customer experience, offering unparalleled breadth and depth. Decades of hands-on work and academic advancement enable her to make sound, informed decisions in dynamic environments.
Strategic:
Nona has a sharp eye for aligning technical capabilities with long-term business goals. She combines data-driven thinking with intuition, helping companies adapt and thrive amid change.
Communication:
A gifted speaker and collaborative leader, Nona articulates vision clearly and motivates teams to achieve shared outcomes. Her inclusive approach fosters dialogue, alignment, and lasting impact.
