HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JANUARY 2026 37 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER by the Board of Trustees in mid-December. Our staff has already begun advancing this work while continuing to deliver ASM’s core programs and services. With engaged volunteers, committed staff, and strong governance, ASM is well positioned for a productive and impactful year ahead. Veronica Becker Executive Director, ASM International veronica.becker@asminternational.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Volunteer Engagement Essential to Success As we begin 2026, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the volunteers who stepped into Committee and Council Chair leadership roles beginning in September 2025. (See the full listing of names at the start of this ASM News section.) Their willingness to lead, collaborate, and share their expertise is essential to the strength and success of ASM. Volunteer engagement is foundational to our Society’s continued relevance and growth. Through our committee and council structure, volunteers help shape technical programming, guide member services, and ensure that ASM remains aligned with the evolving needs of the materials community. This work not only supports the Society’s mission but also strengthens the professional community we serve. Volunteering with ASM offers members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, develop leadership skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to work that advances the field as a whole. Whether serving in a leadership role or participating as a committee member, volunteer contributions directly influence the direction and effectiveness of the Society. I encourage members at all career stages to consider getting involved— your voice and perspective are important. ASM is currently seeking nominations for the positions of Vice President and Board of Trustees (see next page). These roles are central to the governance and strategic direction of the Society. Members of the Board and Executive Committee help shape ASM’s priority initiatives each year and guide decisions that support long-term sustainability and member value. I encourage you to consider yourself or a qualified colleague for these meaningful and rewarding leadership opportunities. If you have questions about volunteering or about the responsibilities associated with these leadership roles, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to one of our experienced volunteers. We are always glad to offer guidance and encouragement. As was outlined in ASM President Elizabeth Hoffman’s November/December column, ASM has four priority initiatives for 2026 centering around membership, content, artificial intelligence, and education. These four initiatives emerging from our strategic planning process have been incorporated into the 2026 budget, which was approved Annual ASM Award Nominations due February 1 The deadline for the majority of ASM’s awards is February 1, and we are actively seeking nominations for all of these awards, a few of which are listed below: • Edward DeMille Campbell Memorial Lectureship • Distinguished Life Membership • William Hunt Eisenman Award • Gold Medal • Silver Medal • Bronze Medal • Historical Landmarks • Honorary Membership • Medal for Advancement of Research • Allan Ray Putnam Service Award • Albert Sauveur Achievement Award • Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award • J. Willard Gibbs Phase Equilibria Award View rules and past recipients at asminternational. org/about-asm/awards. To receive a unique nomination form link, contact Christine Hoover at christine. hoover@asminternational.org. Becker Prof. Lorraine Francis (le ) receives the 2025 Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award from Navin Manjooran, FASM.
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