Master Black Belt
Steve Kula
Steve Kula is a Certified Master Black Belt and Senior Leader with a 30+ year record of implementing Lean transformations and driving improved quality and higher profitability in a wide variety of manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and administrative processes. Steve brings unique experience not only as a Black Belt and Master Black Belt executing continuous improvement projects, but also as a Senior Leader driving world class improvements within his own organizations and inspiring his teams with his passion for Lean Six Sigma.
Highlighted Accomplishments
- Championed 50+ projects with certified benefits in excess of $50M
- Coached 100+ Black Belts and Green Belts through completion of 200+ projects in manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, engineering, supply chain, and software implementation resulting in defect reduction, cycle time improvements, and increased customer/supplier satisfaction
- Trained 75+ Black Belts and Teams in DMAIC and Lean methodology. Additionally trained Yellow Belts, Green Belts, and Project Sponsors along with Executive Leadership in their respective roles
- 3x Annual Continuous Improvement Award Winner
- Developed Lean Six Sigma-focused 2 and 5-day workshops for experienced Black Belts and their teams to quickly and successfully execute lasting Value Stream Transformations
- Implemented Built In Quality (BIQ) in concert with Lean Six Sigma to improve Supplier Quality to over 99.9%
Education
Degrees and Certifications:
- Certificate in Supply Chain Management, University of San Diego
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Caterpillar