Sign In Cart Join SME menu menu search SME Home About Board of Directors About 2021 SME Board of Directors The SME Board of Directors is elected by the entire voting membership of SME. It is made up of industry and academic leaders whose diverse backgrounds represent years of experience from a wide array of manufacturing disciplines. Acting as the governing body of SME, it has the power to establish business policy for SME, order and conduct professional meetings, and guide its member units. The Board has absolute budget authority and complete responsibility for SME's property. SME members interested in being considered for a seat on the Board may apply by submitting an International Director/Member Council Candidate Application (MS WORD). Officers President Michael D. Packer, FSME Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. (retired) Michael D. Packer, FSME, was the director of operations strategy for Lockheed Martin before retiring in January 2021. Besides his SME involvement, Packer is active in the Institute of Industrial Engineers; SAE International (serving as general chair for past AeroTech World Congress); the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (conferred associate fellow in 2011); the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council; and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining. He currently serves as president for SME; chair of the NCDMM board; board member and treasurer for MSSC; vice-chair of the National Association Manufacturing’s Manufacturing Leadership Council; and is a past member of the Georgia Tech Industrial Advisory Board. Packer is Shingijutsu Lean Production System trained and certified, and a past board member of the MIT Lean Aerospace Initiative. He has published numerous articles concerning manufacturing strategy; advanced manufacturing technology and methods; transition from development to production; team-based, high-performance organization design; and manufacturing talent development. Packer is also an Eagle Scout. He attended Eastern Michigan University on athletic and academic scholarships earning a bachelor's degree in industrial technology. Packer also earned an MBA from Washington University at St. Louis and completed the Manufacturing Executive Program at the University of Michigan. SME Member Since 1981 President-Elect Dianne Chong, PhD, FSME, NAE The Boeing Co. (retired) Dianne Chong, PhD, FSME, NAE, was vice president in The Boeing Co.’s Engineering, Operations & Technology organization where she managed materials and manufacturing processes and program integration. Chong was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and Washington State Academy of Science in 2017. She currently serves on multiple committees for the National Academy of Engineering. Chong is president of ABET. She is on the Washington State Academy of Science board. Chong is a member of TMS, AIAA, ASM International, SWE, Beta Gamma Sigma and Tau Beta Pi. She has served on the ASM board, is a fellow of ASM, and in 2007-08, was elected its first female president. Chong is president-elect of SME, a Fellow of SME and on SME’s AeroDef executive committee. She received an award for alumna achievement from the University of Illinois in 2019 and has received numerous technical and diversity awards. Chong received bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from the University of Illinois. She also earned master’s degrees in physiology and metallurgical engineering. In 1986, Chong received her doctorate in metallurgical engineering from the University of Illinois. She has an Executive Master of Manufacturing Management degree from Washington University. SME Member Since 1997 Vice President James W. Schlusemann Prosperia International James W. Schlusemann is founder and president of Prosperia International, focusing on business process improvement and management services. Schlusemann began his career as a machinist, setting up, operating, and programming conventional and CNC machines that made parts for construction equipment, engines and trucks at Navistar, a global manufacturing company. While at Navistar, he held positions of process, industrial and systems engineer, ultimately rising to the position of Engine Group chief information officer. Schlusemann has served on the SME Member Council as well as the SME Board of Directors in 2005, 2006, 2011 and 2016-21. He is currently serving as the 2021 SME vice president as well as an international director and is the board liaison to Chicagoland Chapter. Other SME contributions include contributing to board work groups on strategy, branding and governance. Schlusemann has also served as an advisor for SME’s former Product Design & Automation and the Product Data Management & Exchange tech groups and led a team contributing to the fifth edition of “Fundamentals of Tool Design.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and computer science, and a master’s degree in management information systems from North Central College in Illinois. SME Member Since 1989 Treasurer Winston F. Erevelles, PhD St. Mary's University Winston F. Erevelles, PhD, is a dean emeritus and professor of engineering in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology at St. Mary’s University where he has worked to develop significant automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, reverse engineering and manufacturing process capabilities. Previously, Erevelles was the dean of the School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science and an associate vice president for Academic Affairs at Robert Morris University; a faculty member, laboratory director and director of the Manufacturing Engineering Program at Kettering University; and a manufacturing engineer and plant manager at Mykron Engineers, India. He currently serves as treasurer on the SME Board of Directors, SME International Director/Member Council Nominating Committee, is an adjunct accreditation director of engineering for ABET, member of the Leadership Advisory Council of the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, and on the Education Committee of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Erevelles is the recipient of numerous awards, including 2015 ABET Fellow, 2011 Texas Diversity Council Individual Award, 2008 SME Education Award, 2005 Carnegie Science Center Award for Excellence, 1997 Rodes Professorship at Kettering University, 1996 SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award and the 1996 GMI Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Teaching. SME Member Since 1989 Secretary Vincent W. Howell Sr., FSME, CMfgE Corning Inc. (retired) Vincent W. Howell Sr., FSME, CMfgE, has 40 years of manufacturing engineering and management experience spanning process industries (liquid-crystal display glass) and electronics manufacturing. Under Howell’s leadership, he led a team of engineers, manufacturing technologists and scientists in the design, development and implementation of LCD glass-automated inspection technology, which continues to be an important innovation for LDG glass manufacturing processes. During his career at Corning Inc., Howell held positions of increasing responsibility, and during this time, was presented with the Display Technologies Division Engineering People Development Award for distinguished leadership and workforce development and the Six Sigma Golden Eagle Award for excellence in leadership for continuous improvement. After retiring from Corning Inc. as manager, intellectual asset protection for the LCD glass manufacturing business, he currently serves on the faculty of Elmira College graduate school teaching courses in strategic planning, project management and business ethics. Elected an SME Fellow in 2013, Howell has served as a chapter and SME Member Council leader and as a member of SME’s International Director/Member Council Nominating Committee. He is currently serving as secretary on the SME Board of Directors. Howell is a two-time past president of the Process Industries Division of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, and has been active in the Association for Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. In 2011, ATMAE presented him with its Industry Innovation Award “in recognition of innovation, demonstrated leadership and superior performance through the creation and management of technology.” As an inductee into the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, EPT has also honored Howell with is William E. Warner Award for “exemplary achievements as a practitioner in applied engineering.” He holds two patents, authored a book focused on engineering continuing education and has contributed broadly to engineering literature (he contributed a chapter in the “International Encyclopedia of Robotics,” which received the Best Reference Book Award for an engineering and science book for 1988 by the American Publishers Association. More recently, Howell contributed a chapter on “Fiber Optics,” in the recently published “Encyclopedia of the Industrial Revolution,” 1750-2007. He has written over 40 industry articles and conference presentations, and for the past eight years, Howell has been a featured writer for “Ceramic Industry” magazine, writing articles on such topics as lean, intellectual asset protection and workforce development. Howell holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology – manufacturing (North Carolina A&T State University) and a master’s degree in organization and management (Salve Regina University), a master’s certificate in project management (George Washington University) and a doctorate focused on project management. Howell completed the Executive Management Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Salve Regina University presented Howell with is Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award in 2010. He is also a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (Corning Inc.). IISE has also honored him. SME Member Since 1982 International Directors Jeffrey A. Abell, PhD, FSME, CMfgE, PE General Motors Jeffrey A. Abell, PhD, FSME, CMfgE, PE, is chief scientist for global manufacturing and director of manufacturing systems research at General Motors. He is responsible for global manufacturing research focused on vehicle electrification, lightweight systems manufacturing, automation and smart manufacturing. Abell led a research team that played a key role in bringing the Chevy Volt advanced battery to production and has held other leadership positions in product development and manufacturing at GM, Delphi and DaimlerChrysler, including two international assignments. He has written numerous technical publications, been granted several patents and has a strong track record of successful manufacturing technology implementation. Abell was twice presented with the Boss Kettering Award, GM's highest recognition for technical innovation. Since 1998, he has served in various capacities with SME such as a member of the International Awards & Recognition Committee and chair of the Accreditation Committee. Abell has been elected to SME’s North American Manufacturing Research Institution (NAMRI) Board of Directors and is an SME Fellow. He is also the vice-chair of the Industrial Advisory Council and member of the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Abell has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from GMI (now Kettering University) and graduate degrees and a doctorate in systems engineering from Oakland University. He is a licensed professional engineer. SME Member Since 2006 Edye S. Buchanan, CMfgT BriskHeat Corp. Edye S. Buchanan, CMfgT, is a sales strategist at BriskHeat in Columbus, Ohio. In her previous role as a product manager at Fives North American Combustion Inc., she was responsible for product design engineering, performance improvements and assisting in new product development. Buchanan was also a member of the team winning the company’s 2013 Innovation Award. She is currently serving her third term as an SME international director and is active in the Composite Tech Group. Buchanan has been the board liaison to SME’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee twice, Member Council twice, the Certification Oversight and Review Committee and International Awards & Recognition Committee. In 2014, she served as chair of the Organizational Review Task Team and International Officer Nominating Committee. In 1999 and 2000, Buchanan was on the SME Member Committee and was appointed to the first SME Member Council in 2003, serving for seven years including as vice-chair in 2010 and chair in 2019. She is a former chair of the Chapter Enhancement Committee and the council's Communications Task Force. Buchanan has been active in Lorain County Community College S254 and the former North Coast Chapter 134, serving as a chapter officer in both from 1988-93. Activity in Region 7 culminated as chair in 1999. Currently, she is the webmaster for Columbus Chapter 36 and previously was the program chair for Cleveland Chapter 3. Buchanan holds a bachelor's degree from Kent State University and an associate degree from Lorain County Community College. She received a 2013 STEP Award from The Manufacturing Institute, the SME President's Award in 2003, and Regional Awards of Merit in 2000 and 2002 for her outstanding service. Outside of SME, she serves as both a mentor and referee for the FIRST Lego League. SME Member Since 1987 Robert W. Ivester, PhD, FSME National Institute of Standards and Technology Robert W. Ivester, PhD, FSME, is the deputy director of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. MEP focuses on providing U.S. manufacturers with information and tools they need to improve productivity, assure consistent quality, accelerate the transfer of manufacturing technology and infuse innovation into production processes and new products. Ivester served at the Department of Energy for seven years, most recently as director of the Federal Energy Management Program. FEMP oversees federal government energy efficiency implementation, renewable energy adoption and reduction in energy and water use. He also served in the Advanced Manufacturing Office for six years, where AMO launched five Manufacturing USA Institutes, the Critical Materials Hub and hundreds of R&D and technical assistance projects. Ivester also worked at NIST for over 16 years, leading and performing research in advanced manufacturing. He has been an instructor for the Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals program for graduate-level manufacturing engineering since 2001. Ivester is a fellow of SME and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He received his mechanical engineering doctorate, manufacturing engineering master's degree and mechanical engineering bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. SME Member Since 1996 Lonnie J. Love, PhD, FSME Oak Ridge National Laboratory Lonnie J. Love, PhD, FSME, is a corporate fellow and group leader of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Systems Research Group. He received his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1995. Love has over 20 years of experience in the design and control of complex robotic and hydraulic systems. He is the project lead for the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) program at ORNL, which focuses on large-scale, high-speed composite additive manufacturing that is now being commercialized by Cincinnati Inc. His team has demonstrated the technology on several high-profile projects, including the first 3D-printed car (the Strati with Local Motors), the printed Cobra for the Department of Energy as well as high-speed, low-cost tooling for Boeing and Ford. Love was ORNL’s 2014 Distinguished Research Scientist, 2009 Inventor of the Year, has over 30 invention disclosures and patents and 125 peer-reviewed publications. He serves on the scientific advisory board for NSF’s Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power. In 2016, Love was elected an SME Fellow and was a 2018-19 representative on the SME Member Council. SME Member Since 2014 Dean S. Phillips Link Systems Dean S. Phillips is a production enhancement engineer with LINK Systems, and the founder of Longevity Industries, a manufacturing media company focused on education, information and workforce development. With his 27-year career in the forming and fabricating industries, Phillips has been involved with safety and automation integration with companies and installations worldwide. Previously, as a product designer, he worked for companies such as Clearing, Niagara, Bliss Presses, SEYI Press, Piranha-Allsteel, TENNSMITH Inc. and Handling Specialty. Phillips is regarded as an expert in the field of safety and is a frequent speaker for the Precision Metalforming Association. He is also a member of PMA's Safety Committee and contributor to its "Safety GREEN Book." Phillips often contributes to "MetalForming" magazine on safety, controls, IIOT, automation and continuous improvement topics. In addition, he acts as a consultant and trainer on safety and productivity, outlining safety procedures at various companies across the U.S. His commitment to manufacturing can be heard in his Longevity Industries' "Destiny of Manufacturing" podcast where he interviews thought leaders and industry experts on their five-year outlook on the future of manufacturing. Phillips is also a frequent podcast contributor. As an advisor on the IIOT, he works with manufacturers to integrate their technology, hardware and information systems. For SME, Phillips has spent more than 10 years developing programs and assisting with volunteer efforts through its Technical Communities and local chapters. He has served in every leadership capacity for SME Nashville Chapter 43, including chapter chair in 2010. In 2017, Phillips was chair of the SME Member Council. He is also a longtime webinar contributor, presenter, community advisor and membership consultant. As chair of Chapter 43 and the PMA Tennessee District, he has worked to meet fundraising goals to provide scholarships and influence workforce development efforts. As an advisory board member for the Tennessee College for Applied Technology, Phillips has worked to develop a student chapter, secure funding and contributions of equipment to develop the manufacturing leaders of tomorrow. An early adopter of Manufacturing Day, he developed programs that networked the Tennessee Manufacturers Association and the TN Board of Regents along with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce to create the first integrated program for all stakeholders Phillips is a speaker at the Michigan Safety Conference, PMA Safety speaker and advisor on the safety committee of other national organizations. SME Member Since 2005 2020 SME President Susan M. Smyth, PhD, FSME, NAE National Science Foundation U.S. Army Susan M. Smyth, PhD, FSME, NAE, currently serves on the advisory board for the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Army. In 2019, Smyth retired as the chief scientist for global manufacturing at General Motors and the director of GM R&D Manufacturing Systems Research Labs. In this capacity, she directed the creation of GM’s global manufacturing R&D strategies and oversaw innovation and implementation of its advanced manufacturing technology portfolio. In this role at General Motors, Smyth was responsible for manufacturing technology research and development enabling the production of world-class vehicle and propulsion systems and driving innovations to enhance quality, efficiency and flexibility of GM’s manufacturing systems. During her career at General Motors, Smyth held a variety of leadership positions in manufacturing, engineering, “big data” analytics and research and development. She is recognized as one of the strategic technology leaders inside and outside GM. Smyth served as chair of the U.S. Manufacturing Council, which advises the Secretary of Commerce on government policies and programs that affect U.S. manufacturing. She was the GM executive representative and chair of the Manufacturing Technology Leadership Council at the U.S. Council for Automotive Research. Smyth has also served as executive technology advisor to several prestigious research institutes, such as the University of Michigan, MIT, Georgia Tech, Northwestern and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Smyth was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2018. She was made a Fellow of SME in 2014 and has been recognized for her technical and business achievements with multiple international awards. Smyth has a bachelor's degree in physics, a master's degree in optoelectronics and information technology, and a doctorate in physics from the Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. SME Member Since 2010 Rebecca R. Taylor The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences Rebecca R. Taylor is the executive vice president, business development and programs for The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, the largest nonprofit R&D consortium in North America focused on manufacturing. She is responsible for business development, government relations as well as program execution. Taylor is excited about stepping into the unknown, which is why she is in a leadership position at NCMS — where the development of new and exciting manufacturing capabilities is done every day. She thrives in leading these teams into the next generation of technology development. Taylor serves on the board for Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International as well as on the Scientific Committee for the World Manufacturing Foundation. She is also part of the DHS Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council and the International Women’s Forum. Taylor is also the recipient of the national STEP Award, recognizing outstanding women in science, technology, engineering and production. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the George Washington University, a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and is planning to lead the next frontier in secure, productive manufacturing. SME Member Since 2014 Albert J. Wavering, FSME National Institute of Standards and Technology Albert J. Wavering, FSME, is the chief of the Intelligent Systems Division of the Engineering Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He directs measurement science and standards research programs to drive innovation and reduce risks of adoption of additive manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity and other advanced manufacturing technologies to advance U.S. industrial competitiveness. Wavering also served for three years as the acting deputy director of the NIST Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory. He was awarded the SME Philip R. Marsilius Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award in 1996 and was elected to the SME College of Fellows in 2009. Wavering served on the SME Education Foundation Proposal Review Committee from 1999-2007 and as a member of the SME Education Foundation Board of Directors from 2007-10. Wavering received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois. 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