NEW YORK, June 17, 2009 – Amos E. Holt, Ph.D., was inducted as president of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) during the proceedings of the Society’s 2009 Annual Meeting, June 14-17, at the Desert Springs JW Marriott in Palm Desert, California.  His one-year term runs through June 2010. 

Holt currently serves as vice president of Environmental, Safety and Quality Systems for Southwest Research Institute® (SWRI) in San Antonio, Texas.  He is responsible for implementing environmental, safety, and quality systems to meet client requirements and applicable governmental standards, regulations and codes.

A member of ASME for over 26 years, Holt has held many distinguished positions at the organization, most recently serving as secretary and treasurer.  He was named a fellow of ASME in 1993 and received the Society’s Dedicated Service Award in 2000.  In addition, Holt was named an honorary member of ASME in 2002, and also served as a lecturer in the Society’s Distinguished Lecturers’ Program. 

As president, Holt aims to bring continued success to ASME, while aligning his efforts with the Society’s strategic initiatives in energy, engineering workforce development, and globalization.  As part of his focus, Holt plans to work with the organization’s volunteers and staff to attract new members, early-career engineers, and students to ASME, while ensuring that the Society continues to stay relevant to global industry and in the pursuit of technological advances. 

Holt has contributed to the engineering profession for over 45 years.  He is a technical expert in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and advanced engineering materials.   His extensive work in NDE include over 13 years at Bobcock & Wilcox, where he was involved in NDE inspections and diagnostic systems and concentrated in areas such as ultrasonic imaging and acoustic holography.  Holt has contributed more than 40 technical papers and articles on subjects pertaining to NDE and holds five patents.

Holt received a B.S. in physics from Arlington State College and a master’s degree in physics from the University of Texas, Arlington.  He continued his education and training at Nova Southeastern University, earning his Ph.D. in computer and information sciences in 1994.  Holt served in the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. 

About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and world safety.

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ASME Contact:
John Varrasi, ASME
varrasij@asme.org or 212.591.8158