Feigel takes over as 124th president

John G. Falcioni
ASME NEWS

PHILADELPHIA — In a crowded ballroom here filled with colleagues from the Board of Governors, senior ASME volunteers and staff, Richard E. (Gene) Feigel last month took the helm as ASME's 124th president. The installation took place during the Society's summer annual meeting.

In his inauguration speech, Feigel pledged to guide ASME through a "critical period of change and redirection" and to promote the profession and the Society's "rich heritage and dynamic history" in this, the 125th anniversary of ASME.

New ASME President Richard E. (Gene) Feigel is flanked by President-Nominee Terry E. Shoup (left) and Past President Harry Armen at the summer annual meeting in Philadelphia.

"Aside from my wife," who was sitting at the dais next to him, "and children and a few people I work with," Feigel said, "my friends, colleagues and mentors are here at ASME. This Society has given me opportunities to grow and learn that I have not had elsewhere. I have a deep and abiding commitment to work to assure that ASME remains strong in a rapidly changing world, so others can have these same opportunities long after I'm gone."

Feigel congratulated outgoing President Harry Armen and thanked him for "an eventful and successful" year as ASME's highest-ranking volunteer leader.

Feigel noted Armen's and ASME's accomplishments during the past year. These, he said, included new programs and initiatives designed to position ASME in global markets, produce expanded and new revenue streams, and attract new members — particularly young engineers.

Specifically, Feigel pointed to Engineering Management Certification International, which ASME unveiled to the growing China market in late April, and a new office in Brussels, Belgium. In addition, he praised the establishment of an ASME office in Beijing, China, to assess that market's needs for engineering codes and standards developed in North America. He also noted ASME's expanded relationship with the United States Department of Homeland Security, as it provides tools and methodologies for risk-based assessments.

"It's going to be an exciting year ahead for ASME," vowed Feigel. "As I take office today, I am committed to growing your Society into a productive and efficient organization providing first-rate services to the global engineering community. I'll need the help and support of everyone in this room, and throughout ASME.

"When we convene again next June, I hope I can look back on my presidency and say that I served honorably and energetically, and that I served not as an individual, but rather as a member of an outstanding team, whose members share a commitment and dedication to the present and future of mechanical engineering."

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