February 17, 2021 — Southwest Research Institute announced consolidated revenues of nearly $696 million in fiscal year 2020, up more than 3% from 2019 and the highest ever recorded by the Institute. Internal research and development spending increased 24%, topping $10 million for the first time.
The Institute’s Advisory Trustees, Board of Directors and special guests met virtually for the 73rd Annual Meeting, highlighted by presentations about several innovative research and development programs underway at SwRI in 2020.
Wayne S. Alexander, retired president of SBC Southwestern Bell, was reelected chair of the board, his third time serving in that capacity. He previously served as board chair in 2019 and 2008–2009. He also served as vice chair in 2006–2007 and 2017–2019. Sam Dawson, P.E., CEO of Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc., was reelected vice chair. Dawson joined the Board in 2018.
“I am honored to be reelected and serve Southwest Research Institute,” Alexander said. “This year marks 20 years that I have been affiliated with this extraordinary organization. I am continuously amazed at the discoveries and technical challenges the researchers at SwRI take on and solve. It remains a world-renowned R&D organization.
“I am particularly impressed with how the leadership and staff were able to pivot in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic and advance many exciting technical innovations and breakthroughs, all while delivering another successful financial performance and a backlog of project work,” he said.
Staff presentations touched on technology programs to help resolve traffic congestion as well as new advances in workplace robots, forensic analyses and rheology. Participants also watched a virtual tour of the Institute.
“Although we have faced many challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, I am extremely proud of our resilient and resourceful staff as they have adjusted to new work practices to ensure we minimize the threat of COVID-19 in our workplace and keep people safe while continuing our research activities,” said SwRI President and CEO Adam L. Hamilton, P.E. “What we were able to share is just a sample of the many significant R&D projects ongoing at the Institute. Our people find innovative solutions to difficult technical challenges to advance science and engineering for the betterment of all humankind.”
Hamilton introduced 15 new advisory trustees who will serve three-year terms: Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, cofounder and partner, GO RIO Cruises; Stephanie L. Chandler, partner, Jackson Walker LLP; Elizabeth “Liz” Flavin Crawford, CEO, Sendero Wealth Management and Sendero Family Enterprise; Abigail Kampmann, CEO, Principle Auto; Justice Sandee Marion, Chief Justice Retired, Fourth Court of Appeals and retired judge, Bexar County Probate Court No. 2; Marise McDermott, president and CEO, The Witte Museum; Dr. Ruben Mesa, executive director, Mays Cancer Center UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson; Julie Caruthers Parsley, CEO, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc.; Corinna Holt Richter, president and chief administrative officer, HOLT CAT; David Robinson, cofounder, Admiral Capital Group; Ann Beal Salamone, chairman of the board, Rochal Industries LLC; Charles Slick, vice president, Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group; Joe Straus, principal, La Cima Partners LLC; Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University – San Antonio; and Cheryl Thomas, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Valero Energy Corp.
The SwRI Board of Directors reelected Institute officers and vice presidents including: Hamilton; Walter D. Downing, P.E., executive vice president and COO; Beth Ann Rafferty, CPA, chief financial officer, vice president – finance and Institute secretary; Mónica R. Trollinger, J.D., general counsel; and Linda M. Boehme, CPA, treasurer and assistant Institute secretary.
Eleven vice presidents also were reappointed, including: Kenneth H. Bennett Jr., Applied Physics; Dr. James L. Burch, Space Science and Engineering; Danny M. Deffenbaugh, Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Steven W. Dellenback, PMP, Intelligent Systems; Paul Easley, Facilities and General Services; Dr. Michael G. MacNaughton, P.E., Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Tony Magaro, Human Resources; Steven D. Marty, P.E., Fuels and Lubricants Research; Mary Massey, P.E., Applied Power; C. Nils Smith, P.E., Defense and Intelligence Solutions; and Daniel W. Stewart, P.E., Powertrain Engineering.
For more information, visit annualmeeting.swri.org or contact Tracey M.S. Whelan, +1 210 522 2256, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.