John Theisen, former president and CEO of Auburn-based Orion Industries, was presented the inaugural South King County Multi-Service Center’s (MSC) Help, Hope, Change Award by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

The award recognizes a community leader or corporation that exemplifies the mission of MSC to provide pathways out of poverty for neighbors in South King County.

For 18 years, Theisen led this mission-driven nonprofit that provides career pathways to individuals with barriers to employment, such as learning disabilities, low incomes and mental health issues. He built two business lines that provide personalized mentorship and job skills, supported more than 2,300 people in their training programs, and placed almost 1,000 individuals into new careers.