Reflections as ASQ Inspection Division Chair: Delivering Value and Driving Engagement | Quality Magazine

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Serving as the Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division has been a remarkable journey of leadership, collaboration, and growth. It has been both a privilege and a responsibility to guide the division through strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our members and elevating the quality profession. By organizing conferences, participating in the ASQ community, and driving division goals, my focus has been on delivering real value to our members and promoting a culture of excellence. Here, I share some experiences and accomplishments as Chair and the impact of these efforts on the ASQ Inspection Division.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been organizing the ASQ Inspection Division conferences. These events go beyond mere gatherings; they provide opportunities for learning, networking, and knowledge sharing among quality professionals. By bringing together leaders and innovators in inspection and quality, we offer members insights into the latest trends and techniques. Through strategic planning and a focus on delivering value, we have hosted conferences that address the evolving needs of our industry, equipping our members with knowledge to excel.

Active participation in the World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI) has showcased the Inspection Division’s expertise globally. Presenting our work and engaging in discussions at WCQI has enhanced our visibility and opened new avenues for collaboration.

In addition, promoting webinars on relevant topics has become a key priority. These webinars serve as an accessible way to deliver continuous learning opportunities, keeping members informed about industry developments.

Effective communication is fundamental to any thriving community. We have placed significant emphasis on keeping our members informed through newsletters published three times a year in April, July, and October. These newsletters provide updates on division activities, upcoming events, and professional development opportunities. To supplement these, monthly email blasts offer timely reminders about webinars, conferences, and initiatives, ensuring our members stay connected and engaged with the ASQ Inspection Division.

Raising the voice of the ASQ Inspection Division at the ASQ Technical Communities Council (TCC) meetings has been a vital part of my role. Actively participating in these monthly meetings allows us to advocate for our division’s needs and ensure our contributions are recognized within the broader ASQ community.

Maintaining a strong digital presence is essential in today’s world. As Chair, I have prioritized keeping our MyASQ platform and ASQ Inspection Division social media channels active. Regularly sharing content that resonates with members, highlighting achievements, and promoting events has significantly boosted engagement and visibility. This strategy has helped us reach a wider audience, attract new members, and provide valuable resources to the quality community.

Understanding and addressing member needs is crucial for driving continual improvement. Conducting an annual membership survey has been instrumental in gathering feedback on our initiatives and identifying areas for enhancement.

This data-driven approach has enabled us to achieve a 97.5% success rate in meeting our Business Plan goals for 2022 and 2023, shaping our action plans to align with member expectations. I am particularly proud of the division’s achievements in the Performance Excellence Program (PEP), where we secured Gold and Silver awards in 2023 and 2024. Achieving these awards is a testament to our leadership team’s dedication to maintaining high standards in executing our Business Plans.

Fostering collaboration has been a central focus throughout my tenure as Chair. Regular teleconferences to discuss Business Plan progress and maintaining open communication with division leaders have allowed us to address concerns promptly and offer support where needed. By creating a strong, supportive community, we have built an environment where members feel valued and empowered to contribute to the division’s success.

Together, we have made significant strides, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the ASQ Inspection Division.

The ASQ Inspection Division is dedicated to supporting growth beyond training and knowledge-sharing by offering scholarships and awards. These programs provide financial support and recognize excellence among quality professionals and aspiring students. Through these opportunities, we aim to inspire learning, encourage involvement, and foster a culture of excellence within our division and the broader quality community.

As I reflect on my journey as Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. The progress we have made, the awards we have achieved, and the strong sense of community we have built are the results of our collective efforts. Moving forward, my goal is to continue building on this foundation, driving innovation, and ensuring that our members remain our priority.

In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our members, volunteers, and leaders for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have made significant strides, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the ASQ Inspection Division. Let us continue to strive for excellence, inspire each other, and lead the way in advancing the quality profession.

Ben Tomic is an ASQ Senior member with more than 20 years’ experience in the quality and aerospace industries. He holds 10 ASQ certifications and a Ph.D. in quality management. He has published 25 scientific articles related to quality management in many international journals. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer.