December 18, 2024 — Southwest Research Institute Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Walt Downing, P.E., received the prestigious IEEE Members and Geographic Activities (MGA) Leadership Award, an international recognition, honoring “…individuals who have exhibited exemplary and substantive leadership of an extraordinary nature” in implementing IEEE member activities. Downing, an IEEE Life Member, has held various leadership positions over his decades of membership. He currently serves as IEEE Region 5 government activities coordinator, societies and councils liaison and chair of the Lone Star Section, representing Central and South Texas.
“I am honored to receive the MGA Leadership Award from IEEE, and thank those who nominated, supported and selected me,” said Downing. “I also want to recognize and thank Southwest Research Institute for supporting my participation in IEEE professional activities for the last 45 years.”
An announcement from the IEEE MGA Board said Downing was honored "…for dedicated leadership and outstanding contributions at the region, section and beyond, organizing students, academia and industry to grow membership and enhance collaboration."
“I often advise early-career engineers and others on a technical path to get involved in a professional society like IEEE. Attend meetings. Get into a leadership role,” said Downing. “That elevates you as a player in your field. Continue to be curious. Continue to learn. Take advantage of the opportunities in professional organizations to develop your skills.”
IEEE, pronounced “I triple E,” is the world’s largest technical professional organization for engineers, scientists, software developers and other technology professionals. Recipients of the MGA Leadership Award make a distinguished contribution to IEEE through volunteer activities, which enhance member engagement and grow membership.
Downing, a registered professional engineer, serves on the Board of Directors of SwRI and Signature Science LLC, SwRI’s wholly owned subsidiary. In his executive leadership role, Downing directs the operations of the Institute’s 11 technical divisions and oversees internal research, capital equipment and the distribution of other resources and services. Downing joined SwRI in 1979 as a senior research engineer in the Electronic Systems Division.
Downing is one of this year’s three MGA Leadership Award recipients from the United States and India. Candidates for the annual award must be an IEEE member in good standing and their nominations must be endorsed by two IEEE members.
SwRI received the Supporting Friend of IEEE MGA Award in July. Read more at IEEE Recognizes SwRI with National Award. For more information, contact Lisa Peña, +1 210 522 2046, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.