Story | Midrex - Company
2025 Stephen C. Montague Innovator of the Year Award: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation
January 20, 2026
Winner: Paul Kazalski, Research Engineer
Midrex is proud to recognize Paul Kazalski as the recipient of the 2025 Stephen C. Montague Innovator of the Year Award, honoring his outstanding contributions to innovation, engineering progress, and collaborative leadership across the organization.
“We are honored to nominate Paul Kazalski for the Innovator of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to engineering innovation, technical excellence, and collaborative leadership.”
About the Award
The Innovator of the Year Award will be presented annually to a team member who has demonstrated outstanding technical achievements in one or more of the following categories:
- Engineering Improvement: Advancing engineering processes and efficiencies.
- Technological Achievement: Developing or implementing new technologies that enhance operations.
- Leap Innovation: Making significant strides that radically improve or change traditional methods and processes.
In recognition of the recipient’s hard work, the award includes an exciting prize: a training conference of their choice to further their professional development and education. This valuable learning opportunity is followed by additional time for a family vacation in the same location after the training concludes, allowing the recipient to both grow professionally and enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
Advancing Technology Through Team-Driven Innovation
Throughout the year, Paul has played a key role in leading one of Midrex’s emerging technology development efforts. His steady guidance, technical insight, and collaborative leadership supported critical research, testing, and improvement activities that contributed meaningfully to the project’s progress.
“Over the past year, Paul has consistently exhibited remarkable patience, provided expert technical guidance, and effectively led a team of research engineers and Tech Center operators.”
Beyond the technical achievements, Paul is recognized for the way he cultivates teamwork and shared learning across the organization. He is a trusted collaborator who supports open communication, encourages cross-functional engagement, and consistently models a mindset of curiosity and improvement.
“In addition to his technical achievements, Paul is a respected project manager and collaborator. He actively supports knowledge sharing, fosters cross-functional teamwork, and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement.”
Paul’s leadership leaves a lasting impact, not only on the success of the project, but on the colleagues who work alongside him.
“Paul exemplifies the values of innovation, integrity, and excellence.”
His contributions have strengthened critical development efforts, elevated team capability, and moved Midrex closer to realizing the next generation of technological advancement.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Paul Kazalski, the 2025 Stephen C. Montague Innovator of the Year. His dedication, leadership, and innovative spirit represent the very best of Midrex, and his work will continue to influence our organization for years to come.