Atigun Awards, Business Steward of the Year: Kathryn Hendrickson
When Alyeska’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) created a new Atigun Awards President’s Choice category – Business Steward of the Year – they had just the right person in mind. For years, Alyeska Procurement Manager Kathryn “Katie” Hendrickson has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative action in transforming Alyeska’s procurement ecosystem.
Katie is known for delivering measurable efficiency gains, streamlining processes, and increasing engagement across Operations, Maintenance, Materials Management, and business partners. Her work has driven improved cycle times, reduced administrative burden, enhanced visibility, and modernized procurement foundations for her Contracts & Procurement team and across the company. The ELT say her as a shining example in support of Alyeska’s standards around innovation and continuous improvement.
In this Atigun Awards Q&A, Katie talks about what she loves about collaborating with her TAPS teammates to develop new ideas and creative solutions that solve problems in the complicated Contracts & Procurement world, doing it all with a smile, and hearing about the new Atigun Award and the announcement that she was receiving it.
How long have you worked at Alyeska/on TAPS?
I’ve worked at Alyeska in Contracts & Procurement for eight years.
How did you feel about receiving the inaugural Business Steward of the Year honor? What does that title mean to you and what was your response when you were informed about it?
When John and Ernesto joined our Contracts & Procurement leadership team meeting and shared that someone in the room was receiving an Atigun Award, my first reaction was excitement for one of my coworkers. When I realized the award was being given to me, I was very pleasantly surprised. Alyeska is full of incredibly talented professionals, so being recognized among such a strong group of peers meant a great deal to me.
Tell us about your job and what is your favorite part of your role/work.
I’m the Procurement Manager, supporting TAPS by helping ensure materials are sourced responsibly, efficiently, and in alignment with both operational needs and regulatory requirements. My favorite part of the role is the people I have the privilege of working with each day solving problems and finding practical solutions. I take a lot of pride in knowing that the work we do behind the scenes helps keep the pipeline operating safely and reliably.
Do you have a favorite/memorable day or time on TAPS?
My most memorable time on TAPS was participating in the Bob Stech Pipeline Tour in 2019. Seeing TAPS firsthand and hearing the history, challenges, and purpose behind the system reinforced how every role, even those far from the field, contributes to keeping the pipeline operating safely and responsibly.
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize who has helped you along the way or supports your work?
Absolutely. I’m incredibly fortunate to work for an organization that truly believes in developing people and invests in the resources, support networks, and teams that make that possible. At Alyeska, I’ve been supported by thoughtful mentors, strong leaders, and dedicated coworkers who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
I’d especially like to recognize the Purchasing Team. They are always open to new ideas that help us get better, and when faced with challenges, they somehow make miracles happen every day, never short on a laugh or a smile along the way. Alyeska is full of true professionals, and this work is never done alone.
Is there anything you’d like to add that we didn’t discuss above?
This recognition really reflects the mentorship I’ve received and the strength of the team I’m fortunate to work with. I’m thankful for the people who have supported, challenged, and shaped me along the way, and grateful to be a part of the TAPS family.