Thu, 01/07/2016 - 00:00

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (Jan. 7, 2016) – The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced James Keaveney as its 2016 president. In this position, Keaveney will work with ISA leaders and staff to increase awareness of the value and relevance of the ISA brand and build on ISA’s range of capabilities and resources for automation professionals, which includes standards development, education, training, certification, certificate programs, publications and technical symposia and conferences. Keaveney, who serves as the Northeast regional manager and key account director at Emerson Process Management, brings a strong track record in automation technologies sales and marketing and business planning to his role as president. He’s been an active ISA member for more than 30 years and has served in numerous leadership positions, including society treasurer, finance committee chair and District 2 vice president. “I am extremely excited and honored to serve as the 2016 President of ISA, an organization that has benefited me immensely, both professionally and personally,” said Keaveney. “The automation profession continues to make our world a better place, and ISA, by setting the standard for automation, plays a pivotal role in this process. Through its diverse capabilities, ISA helps its members and other automation professionals improve their technical skills and knowledge, and enables companies increase throughput, reduce waste and improve productivity and profitability—both safely and securely.” ISA in 2016, Keaveney states, will remain focused on achieving its five strategic goals (Content, Data, Coolest Delivery, Cybersecurity and Advocacy) while placing additional emphasis on:

  • Helping industry leaders as well as the public better recognize the value and benefits of automation.
  • Accelerating ISA’s presence and successes internationally by addressing the unique needs and challenges within different parts of the world.
  • Gaining continual feedback from its key stakeholders—members, leaders, partners, and end-user companies and professionals—to gauge progress and improve processes and solutions.
  • Encouraging more members to seek leadership positions within ISA
“I have never been so optimistic about the future of ISA and its ability and potential to inspire technological innovation and support growth and career advancement in manufacturing. Join us as we move the automation profession—and the world—forward,” Keaveney said. Keaveney has received numerous ISA honors, including the Distinguished Society, District 2 Golden Eagle and Lehigh Valley Section Dannenberg Service Awards. He also received a Certificate in Instrumentation from the Philadelphia Section of ISA. Keaveney received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Temple University and a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University. The International Society of Automation is a nonprofit professional association that sets the standard for those who apply engineering and technology to improve the management, safety and cybersecurity of modern automation and control systems used across industry and critical infrastructure.