SMTA 'Members of Distinction' Award Winners Announced

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During the 2015 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 Ning-Cheng Lee, Ph.D., Indium Corporation. SMTA and the electronics industry have benefited immensely from Ning Cheng’s ardent support and technical achievements over the years. His contributions of technical excellence at chapter events and conferences, on committees, and as a past board member have truly set the standard for SMTA.

The MEMBER OF TECHNICAL DISTINCTION AWARD recognizes individuals who have made significant and continuing contributions to the SMTA. This year the Awards Committee selected Don Banks, St. Jude Medical, as the recipient of this prestigious award. He has been a key contributor to the advancement of assembly and related technologies for more than 25 years; including seven years on the SMTA International Technical Committee, Chair of the Medical Electronics Symposium Technical Committee, 29 papers, five patents, and work on several other technical committees.

The EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD honors SMTA members who stand out as strong leaders in the Association. The 2015 recipient of this award is Michael Jansen, Textron Systems. Michael has been 100% dedicated to the success of the SMTA. Much of the Boston Chapter's success can be credited to Michael's hard work. SMTA has always been able to depend on him to get the job done. Michael is a great role model for future leaders... a member, a "doer" and a volunteer for 29 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 2015 recipient of this award is David Vetharudge, Listech Technology Sdn Bhd. David has been dedicated to the success of the SMTA and our chapter in Penang, Malaysia, since its inception. While serving on the formation committee as well as Chapter President, it has been apparent that we can always depend on David to get the job done! David is also a very integral part of the success of the Southeast Asia Technical Conference which draws attendees from well beyond Penang.

The SMTA+ CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AWARD was presented to Alpha. As a corporate SMTA member, Alpha has shown support at every level of the association from chapter and board leadership positions to technical contributions at all of our conferences, committees, and most importantly the willingness of Alpha to share technical knowledge with others in our industry. More than 45 papers have been presented at numerous SMTA conferences. They embody our mission by encouraging employees to become members, attend meetings, and share their knowledge. Alpha is most deserving of this honor.

The CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD recognizes an SMTA chapter that has shown exemplary commitment to the SMTA objective of "Sharing the Knowledge."  The 2015 Chapter of the Year Award was presented to the Oregon Chapter. The 2nd Place runner up was the Atlanta Chapter.  The 3rd Place runner up was the Dallas Chapter.

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 2016 SMTA International Conference in Rosemont, Illinois.

View details at the website: http://smta.org/awards/awards.cfm.  Please contact Tanya Martin, tanya@smta.org or 952-920-7682, with questions.

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.