HIGHL IGHTS A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 2 5 6 Robert EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Here we are in late spring, and I am wrapping up my initial deep dive into the People, Programs, and Financials that serve as the backbone of ASM International. A mentor from my manufacturing workforce policy days used to say that understanding a community’s context will help you design better solutions for its stakeholders. I fully agree, and I’ve learned to seek context whenever I explore a new industry or field. Looking for context is about understanding the historical roots of a community, its values, its passionate advocates, its current areas of focus, and what impact the community wants to achieve. I’ve developed a good base of understanding in these first few months of serving ASM International; a good base from which to grow. What a welcome change it is to see people in person again; a thought that is echoed by many of you! I’ve held introductory conversations with Jim Robinson, TMS; with Colin Church, IOM3; with Raman Venkatesh, SAE International; and with Mark Mecklenborg, ACerS. I’m exploring the Material Advantage program, where four societies including ASM International partner on a fully dimensional student membership package, and I’m gaining knowledge of our firstyear AeroMat and AeroTech (SAE International) co-location in Pasadena, Calif., which both partners agree we will repeat next year. Working together, we can accomplish so much more for the materials science community, by aligning our distinctive offerings and expertise. In April, I attended the Pittsburgh “Golden Triangle” Chapter of ASM International for Young Members’ Night at EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER My First Few Months: Meeting Our Community and Developing Context With Diana Lados and J.C. Zhao at TMS meeting in Anaheim in March. As a highly people-oriented leader, I’ve focused in these early months on getting to know the ASM International staff and officers, to build strong relationships, and to clarify priorities. I’ve also met with each Board Trustee to learn more about their perspectives and ideas. I’ve joined many Committee, Council, and Task Force calls, as well as meeting with our Affiliate Society presidents, and several of our past presidents. I continue to be tremendously enthusiastic about the wealth of talent and commitment surrounding our organization. Many thanks to those of you who sent welcoming wishes to me as I settled in! I’ve initiated my learning journey surrounding our programs and collaborations by engaging with our partners and my peers at sister societies, and by attending events. Dinner with event organizer Nisrit Pandy and vice chair Thomas Wingens at Pittsburgh Chapter meeting. Onsite at AeroMat in Pasadena.
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