SMTA Elects 11th President - Bill Barthel to Lead the Association into the Future

The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) announces that its membership recently elected Bill Barthel as president.

Bill's involvement in the SMTA spans more than 25 years and includes numerous achievements, including formation of the Wisconsin Chapter, Vice President Technical Programs; SMTA International & Local Chapter Speaker, Panel Participant; SMTA Workshops Presenter; SMTA Committee Member - Medical, Cleaning, Pan Pac, Counterfeit Electronics; Chair, SMTA Certification Committee; SMTA Board of Directors; Chair, SMTA Planning Committee; Vice President, SMTA Technical Programs; SMTA International Leadership Award, and more.

Bill has been active in the industry and has played an integral role in coordinating activities between SMTA and other organizations, most recently the co-location of fall IPC committee meetings with SMTA International in 2013 and beyond.

During his two-year term, Bill plans to focus on making stronger chapters by providing more tools and support. Leveraging and refining the chapter model to support growth ensures that members' voices are heard and involved with solutions development. Additionally, he plans to brand the SMTA as the industry leader in circuit assembly technology with strong technical programs. One way he will accomplish this is to work with like-minded organizations to the mutual benefit of all members. Finally, Bill feels that educational solutions based on the broad, cumulative knowledge base represented by the association's members is key. For example, further advancing the certification program, which can be promoted and complemented by supporting training programs. SMTA has a reputation for unbiased information and Bill believes this can make the SMTA the industry's premier development resource.

"I am honored to have been elected president of the SMTA. Even after more than 25 years of involvement in the organization, I continue to meet great people and constantly learn more about our industry," said Bill. "I have spent many years developing technology roadmaps and strategies and have a deep appreciation of how SMTA and other industry groups help guide the success of individual companies and the entire industry. I know that finding new ways to share the knowledge of the SMTA will bring even more value to our members. I am thankful to have my company's support and look forward to bringing energy and commitment to growing this vital organization."

Based in Wisconsin, Bill is the Manager, Manufacturing Technology Development at Plexus Manufacturing Solutions and has been involved in the electronics manufacturing industry since 1985 with both printed circuit fabrication and printed circuit assembly (PCA). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, a Masters of Business Administration degree, and has been an American Society for Quality Certified Quality Engineer. At Plexus, Bill has been involved with many aspects of PCA and his involvement with Manufacturing Technology has allowed him to work on the latest technologies across numerous industries. In his corporate management role, Bill regularly coordinates global issues for Plexus and has a solid understanding of the industry's business needs.

The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations.