Ron Zimmerman
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director

Ron is a new face at Pioneer, though he's worked with the disabled for more than 30 years. He's a native of Russell County and was hired in November 2006 to serve as Executive Director. Though he wasn't looking for a job, when the position became available it was too good to pass up.

In his official capacity, Ron directs all phases of the company. His goal is to triple Pioneer's capacity over the next three years, from the number of employees to the variety of businesses it serves. He plans for Pioneer to reach it's maximum potential by focusing on the individual's accomplishments.

"What keeps me motivated is watching people succeed and reaching levels of accomplishment that they have never reached before."

David Benedict
Industrial Services Manager

David is responsible for directing the daily activities of the production facility. This includes manpower utilization, supervision, and effective use of space, equipment and human resources. He's been with Pioneer for 28 years.

David hopes to see an increased number of manufacturers Pioneer works for so Pioneer can serve more employees. He thrives on the new challenges he faces.

"During the Gulf War, the government doubled the order for mats we were making for them. There were great concerns that we would not be able to meet these orders, but everyone worked as a team and everything went out on time. We all came together and got the job done."

Kathy East
Services Director

Kathy has been with Pioneer for 25 years. She directs the daily activities of programming for employees, including staff supervision, hiring and trainings.

Kathy looks for Pioneer's growth in the form of an expansion. With this, she hopes to see increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, both within the facility and in the Danville community.

What has kept Kathy coming back for a quarter of a century is seeing the personal accomplishments of those individuals Pioneer serves and employs.

"I believe that we all need to recognize the abilities and personal talents of each individual that seeks our services. Pioneer strives to offer every individual the opportunity to excel and reach their highest potential."

Beverly Sleet
Administrative Services Director

Beverly has been at Pioneer for 24 years. She maintains daily operations of Human Resources and all accounting functions. She also assists all levels of personnel and management with the operation of Pioneer.

During her time at Pioneer Beverly has served as an EMT & First Responder. After a safety class for Pioneer employees, a mother of one of the employees asked him what he should do if he needed help. His answer: Call Beverly.

"I want to see Pioneer continue to serve as many disadvantaged individuals as possible. Seeing clients succeed in life, watching them learn to care for themselves, has kept me coming back."

Mike Edwards
Job Placement Specialist

For almost 22 years, Mike has placed individuals in jobs that are of interest to them and conducive to their physical needs. Gainful employment for everyone is his ultimate goal.

Mike worked as Work Adjustment Counselor for his first nine years at Pioneer. He stays motivated by providing constant assistance to those individuals looking for employment. Helping find jobs the clients truly enjoy doesn't hurt either.

"I'm excited about manufacturing our own line of products. I want to see Pioneer continue to thrive."

Nedra Boitnott
Vocational Evaluator/Adult Day Training Coordinator

For nearly 22 years, Nedra has administered tests to assess vocational potential. Part of the testing includes determining an individual's vocational goals. Her ultimate goal is to help her clients be part of society while expanding Pioneer's service and production programs.

One of Nedra success stories is a client who came to Pioneer from a residential facility and had limited verbal and social skills. With daily living skills classes and meaningful work, the client's quality of life has clearly improved and now is an important part of the Pioneer manufacturing team.

Dot Carman
Assistant to Executive Director/Office Manager

Dot has been with Pioneer for more than nine years and provides direct administrative support to the Executive Director and acts as office manager over daily operations.

The dedication of everyone at Pioneer is what keeps Dot motivated. She hopes to see as many people as possible advance in today's world and to achieve success in the industrial world.

Danita Messer
Adult Habilitation Production Supervisor

Danita assures that contract jobs are handled efficiently and safely. She also supervises Work Habilitation/Supports for Community Living clients in the classroom and during group outings. For five years she has been helping serve the needs of the clients, and plans on growing with Pioneer.

"This is not just a job. When I go home, I want to know that I have helped the clients, even if it is just with a smile."

Joy Burton
Adult Day Training Coordinator
Work Habilitation Counselor

For more than a year, Joy has developed and implemented the day-to-day programs for Supports for Community and Work Habilitation Consumers. She conducts individual and group classes on topics such as independent living, job skills and proper work habits.

Joy hopes that Pioneer will continue to assist in individuals' feeling of self worth and to help find jobs that suit their personality and skills. With her teachings, Joy is building confidence and skills for individuals to use to enter the workforce and live independently.

Tommy Cherry
Production Supervisor

Tommy is charged with supervising, training and assisting employees as they complete projects. Though Tommy has worked at Pioneer for a short time, working with the staff and clients keeps him motivated.

Tommy hopes that Pioneer will continue to provide more employment opportunities as it expands.

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