The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) recently announced the election of LaRoux K. Gillespie, Dr. Eng., FSME, PE, CMfgE as its 2012 president. A metal finishing consultant and retired Kansas City Honeywell quality leader, Gillespie reportedly hopes to inspire other manufacturers to realize the impact they can make through an organization like SME.

“SME has provided me-and thousands of others-with tools to learn, leadership opportunities, and a lifelong association with those coming to learn and those who are already world authorities,” he said. “The society has been an important part of my professional growth.”

Gillespie has been a member since a University of Kansas professor introduced him to SME (then ASTE) in 1963. He later became a leader in Kansas City No. 57 chapter, the SME Robotics International chapter, and eventually, 67 leadership positions within the society.

Gillespie is currently an independent consultant and researcher. He writes about manufacturing for Cutting Tool Engineering and MICROmanufacturing magazines, and annually publishes other papers and reports on micromanufacturing and deburring.

For more information, visitwww.sme.org.