IPC Announces New Thought Leaders Program Experts

Reading time ( words)

IPC has revamped its Thought Leaders Program (TLP) an initiative designed to “mine” key industry experts’ insight and knowledge on issues driving change within the electronics industry.

Five experts have been selected to generate ideas and insights in five areas: education and workforce; technology and innovation; the economy; key markets; and environment, health, and safety. The TLP is chaired by Mike Carano, IPC consultant, and a member of IPC’s Hall of Fame. 

New TLP member are:

• Peter Bigelow, President and CEO, IMI Incorporated
• Matt Holzmann, President, CGI Americas
• Stanton Rak, Principal, SF Rak Company
• Stephen Sweeney, Program Manager, Materials and Environmental Management, IBM
• Hiroyuki Watanabe, Executive Director, Global Security, NEC Corporation

The Thought Leaders’ responsibilities will include providing publishable material in their subject areas; flagging opportunities for IPC engagement; and participating in quarterly roundtable discussions. Each expert is expected to fulfill at least one 12-month term, during which quarterly contributions will be expected.

“I’m honored to work with such a diverse and august group of experts,” said Mike Carano. “The program is drawing on individuals who are leaders within the electronics manufacturing industry and who also have insights into market research, trends, cybersecurity, high-tech production, emerging technologies, sustainability, business management, materials science and consulting. Our industry rapidly changes, and these experts have been assembled to provide guidance and solutions to lead and influence change toward building electronics better.”

For more information on the Thought Leaders Program, visit www.ipc.org/advocacy/ipc-thought-leaders-program.

03/24/2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

It’s almost as if upheaval is the new normal. We often describe slow-moving but unstoppable change as moving in “geologic time.” But occasionally–like an earthquake–geology shifts suddenly. Here in my office, tracking the news of the industry, things are moving faster than geologic time, but more slowly than the jolt of an earthquake. The wave seems almost surfable, where before it seemed overwhelming. In this week’s list, we bring news from five different, high-vibration areas in our industry. If you read nothing else this week, these five items will keep you informed.

03/21/2023 | Christopher Bonsell, Chemcut

This year, I had the great opportunity to come to IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego as a contributing member in Chemcut’s booth. Being an exhibitor is always interesting because you never know what you will learn or who you will meet. Truly, it seems that every IPC APEX EXPO is an eye-opening experience. This was the second show I attended, and last year I was amazed to see how in-depth and interconnected the electronics industry is. Seeing how many different companies contribute to manufacturing today’s core technology never fails to impress me.

03/21/2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

Investments, staffing, cybersecurity, and a peek into his crystal ball—John Vaughan, vice president of strategic markets at Summit Interconnect, sits down with Nolan Johnson to talk about it all. Business is good, by the way, thanks to Summit’s portfolio of military contracts, and he has sound advice to offer for smaller shops in the United States, and their real ability to make a difference in PCB fabrication.