HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | MARCH 2026 56 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Volunteers Help Lead ASM and Affiliate Societies In this issue, we are pleased to announce the chair and members serving on the Nominating Committee. While the committee’s work is of short duration, its responsibility is significant. The Nominating Committee selects our next vice president—who will ultimately serve as president of the Society—as well as three members of the Board of Trustees. Their thoughtful stewardship of this process is critical to ASM’s future leadership. This issue also features an exciting update on the chairs of our Affiliate Societies. ASM’s six Affiliate Societies serve as specialized communities aligned with the distinct technical interests of our members. They offer valuable benefits including educational programs, networking opportunities, access to industry-specific resources, and pathways for active involvement. Whether you specialize in a particular material, process, or sector, these societies are committed to supporting your professional growth and development. I encourage all members to consider joining and contributing to these dynamic communities. On the operational front, ASM is implementing a new Association Management System that will modernize how we serve and engage our members. This upgrade brings together membership, events, communications, and transactions into a single, intuitive platform—making it easier to access services, manage your profile, and stay connected to the community. For our staff, it reduces administrative complexity and allows greater focus on the programs, content, and support that matter most to you. This investment reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more responsive association—one designed to meet today’s needs while preparing for the future. We have also enhanced the search experience across our website, making it easier to discover the full breadth of ASM content—from technical resources and publications to education and events. The improved search delivers more relevant results while also helping us better understand what topics and resources are most important to our members. These insights directly inform how we prioritize new content, programs, and services, ensuring our offerings continue to reflect your needs and interests. Finally, I invite you to join us at our upcoming spring events: ITSC, Heat Treat Mexico, and SMST (see event previews in this issue). These events will showcase the latest trends and innovations in industries central to our community. Additional details and registration information are available on the ASM International website under the Events section. Veronica Becker Executive Director, ASM International veronica.becker@asminternational.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORNER Becker ASM and its Affiliate Societies Seek Student Board Members We’re looking for Material Advantage student members to provide insights and ideas to ASM and its Affiliate Society Boards. We are pleased to announce the continuation of our Student Board Member programs. Each Society values students’ input and is looking for their ideas. An opportunity like no other! • Expenses to attend meetings paid for by the respective Society • Take an active role in shaping the future of your professional Society • Actively participate in your professional Society’s board meetings • Gain leadership skills to enhance your career • Add a unique experience to your resume • Represent Material Advantage and speak on behalf of students • Work with leading professionals in the field The student board member term for ASM International begins June 1 and requires attendance at four in-person meetings and one virtual meeting. Terms for all the Affiliate Societies begin October 1 and require attendance at one board meeting and various teleconferences. Application deadline is April 1. Visit asminternational.org/students/student-board-member-programs.
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