Before the official kickoff of ASNT 2021, members and attendees gathered together for the annual Meeting of the Members (formerly the Annual Business Meeting). For the first time, the meeting was held in a hybrid format: live in Phoenix and broadcast simultaneously online.
After a welcome from ASNT’s executive director, Neal J. Couture, CAE, the agenda was introduced by Secretary/Treasurer John Z. Chen, PhD. Chen noted there were no items of business on the agenda requiring a membership vote.
Michael V. McGloin, Chairperson of the Board, presented the State of the Society. McGloin noted that it has been two years since this meeting was held in person at an annual conference due to COVID-19.
“As is often the case, such trials and tribulations can bring with them opportunities for things to get better, for us to learn new skills, and for organizations to reshape themselves to be more prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” said McGloin. “This is precisely what has happened to ASNT.”
McGloin noted that the ASNT Board of Directors (BOD) continued to meet online throughout the pandemic, which actually improved the governance of the Society. He encouraged councils, committees, and sections to continue meeting online, which has the added benefit of opening up volunteer positions to people who may not be able to travel to meet in person.
McGloin also reviewed the ASNT Bylaws, which were revised in April. Changes included the implementation of a new volunteer structure that clarified the roles of board committees, councils, and advisory groups. The Operations Committee was re-instituted and assigned responsibility for the oversight and direction of all council activities. A new Leadership Development Committee was created. Other noteworthy achievements include:
- In July, ASNT launched ASNT Certification Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary established to address the legal and financial risks inherent to certification and accreditation programs. The LLC is governed by an independent Board of Managers composed of ASNT board members and other member volunteers.
- In April, the BOD approved a plan to construct a new, smaller facility adjacent to the existing International Service Center in Columbus, Ohio. Construction will begin this fall and be completed in 2023. ASNT will keep its existing building, which will provide income as leased space.
- Despite the pandemic, ASNT maintained a global membership of 13 352 over the past year. ASNT also chartered three new sections: Beijing, China; Shenzhen, China; and Coastal Georgia.
- ASNT implemented its first dues increase in more than 18 years and introduced a new Group Membership program.
- ASNT has conducted more than 660 UT thickness exams for the oil and gas industry through the Industry Sector Qualification (ISQ) program. ISQ continues to grow with the launch of the UT shear wave exam last January and the phased array exam in 2022. The program plan includes the launch of two new exams each year for the next seven years.
- ASNT recently received a contract to manage the NAVSEA Specific Exam Program for Newport News Shipbuilding. This is an exciting direction and reflects industry’s recognition of ASNT’s expertise in managing NDT certification programs. ASNT has entered discussions with other organizations for possible contracts to manage their programs.
- ASNT launched the Employer-Based Certification Accreditation Program in October 2020 and granted the first overseas accreditation in July.
- ASNT achieved re-accreditation of its standards development program by the American National Standards Institute. In addition, ASNT continues to be the US voice to the international standards community through its engagement on the ANSI/ISO TC-135 Technical Advisory Group. A major focus for the TAGs is the new revision of ISO 9712, which will be released in the next six months.
Chen presented the financial report for fiscal year 2021, which ended 30 June. Chen noted that ASNT’s assets continued to grow despite operating losses driven by the pandemic. Total assets have grown from $30.7 million in June 2020 to $37.2 million in June 2021, an increase of $6.5 million. This increase is largely attributable to a strong investment performance of almost $6 million over that period.
In fiscal year 2021, the BOD liquidated $1 million from undesignated reserves to cover operating losses caused by the pandemic and to purchase 10 acres of land adjacent to the ISC in Columbus. It also authorized up to $3 million to be liquidated from unrestricted reserves in 2022 to construct the new ISC building.
Following the financial report, ASNT President John Iman presented the Strategic Plan for 2022–2026. The plan, which has been in development since January 2020, is based on six strategic objectives that will support ASNT’s advancement over the next five years. These are:
- expand and improve its certification portfolio;
- improve the value of membership by providing essential content and engagement experiences;
- create pathways and resources for the entry, performance, and advancement of the NDT workforce;
- advance the NDT field by being an effective advocate;
- implement a regional growth strategy; and
- establish and fund a research agenda.
“It is important to note that these six pillars, each on their own, are intended to advance the Society significantly for our members. But we also can see the synergies between the pillars—where the research agenda and the advocacy program will increase member value, where international growth will expand opportunities for research, and more,” said Iman. “We hope our members join us in supporting this vision for our future by engaging in the discussion, by volunteering for various initiatives, and by spreading the word that ASNT is stepping out in a bold way for its members.”
Pro Tip: For those who missed the meeting, a recording of the event will be made available for member viewing.
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Jill Ross is the Periodicals Editor at ASNT; jross@asnt.org.