SMTA 'Members of Distinction' Award Winners Announced

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During the 2016 Annual Meeting at SMTA International, the SMTA honored members who have shown exceptional service to the association and the electronics assembly industry. 

The Founder's Award honoring members who have made exceptional contributions to the industry as well as support and service to the SMTA, was presented to Gary Tanel, McDonald Technologies. SMTA and the electronics industry have benefited immensely from Gary’s ardent support and leadership over the years. His contributions of leadership as a chapter officer, committee member, and as a past member of the Board of Directors have truly set the standard for SMTA. 

The Member of Technical Distinction Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and continuing technical contributions to the SMTA. This year the Awards Committee selected Viswam Puligandla, Ph.D., Nokia (Retired) as the recipient of this prestigious award. He has been a key contributor to the advancement of packaging technologies for more than 25 years including three books, 125 papers, nine patents, and work on several technical committees including training and journal review. 

The Excellence in Leadership Award honors SMTA members who stand out as strong leaders in the Association. The 2016 recipient of this award is Bob Baker. Bob has been 100% dedicated to the success of the SMTA. Much of the Austin CTEA Chapter's success can be credited to Bob's hard work. SMTA has always been able to depend on him to get the job done. Bob is a great role model for future leaders... an active member and volunteer for over 30 years. 

The Excellence in International Leadership Award is presented to members who have provided outstanding support and leadership to the SMTA's international members, chapters, or educational programs. The 2016 recipient of this award is Jason Keeping, Celestica. Jason has been dedicated to the success of the SMTA and the Toronto chapter for several years. While serving as the VP of Technical Programs, as well as Chapter President, it has been apparent that we can always depend on Jason to get the job done! He is an integral part of the Students and Young Professionals Committee and supports several student chapters in Canada. Jason also chairs the ICSR Conference. 

The SMTA+ Corporate Partnership Award was presented to Nordson Corporation. As a corporate SMTA member, Nordson has shown support at every level of the association from supporting chapter and board leadership positions to technical contributions for our conferences, committees, and most importantly their willingness to share technical knowledge with others in our industry. They embody our mission by encouraging employees to become members, attend meetings, and share their knowledge. Nordson is most deserving of this honor. 

The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes an SMTA chapter that has shown exemplary commitment to the SMTA active objective of "Sharing the Knowledge."  The 2016 Chapter of the Year Award was presented to the Atlanta Chapter. The 2nd Place runner-up was the Oregon Chapter.  The Dallas Chapter took home the 3rd Place runner-up award. 

SMTA has recognized exceptional individual and corporate members for their immeasurable contributions to the Association since 1994. Next year's winners will be recognized at the Annual Meeting during the 2017 SMTA International Conference in Rosemont, Illinois. 

View details at the website here.

About SMTA

The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations.