HomeGeneral InformationLeader ResourcesGovernance Structure Task Force

Dean Ford

Dean Ford’s entire 20+ year career has dealt with manufacturing and automation: from an electrical engineering student co-op, to implementing automation projects for fortune 500 companies,  to obtaining the Certified Automation Professional [designation], and now promoting manufacturing and automation to government and the public.  Dean started as a PLC programmer and designer, moving into HMI, databases, instrumentation, and manufacturing systems. He is an active Senior Member in the International Society of Automation (ISA), ISA99, and ISA101 Standards Committees.  He serves as the Chair of the Communications Committee for the Automation Federation, and is a member of that group's Government Relations committee. As a representative of the profession, Dean regularly travels to Washington, DC to educate lawmakers and the public of the importance of the manufacturing and automation. He actively mentors others in the profession and recently started an automation profession blog to continue promoting the profession online (www.automateeng.com).

Communicating the importance of engineering and dispelling the “engineering is not cool” myths are important to Dean. “Engineering and Technology are the foundation that allow humans to even exist and that is pretty cool if you ask me.” he said.

Dean is one of 19 winners of the 2010 Control Engineering Leaders Under 40.  He is member of Project Management Institute and the Troubled Projects and Automation Communities.  He represents the Automation Federation on the Manufacturing Leadership Council.

Dean currently serves the professionals of Glenmount Global Solutions as their VP of Automation and Information Solutions.

Dean is the 2012-2013 VP-Elect of the ISA Image and Membership Department.

Academics: BS Electrical Engineering, Missouri Science and Technology University; Certified Automation Professional (CAP)